|
Pure science is the investigation of natural phenomena for the purpose of understanding. Observation leads to the formation of theories, which are tested experimentally.
If the theory seems to explain to all the phenomena it is classified as a principle and added
to the store of existing scientific knowledge. Applied science is known today as technology,
which is concerned with techniques. As pure scientific knowledge advances, so does technology or method. Since method depends on knowledge, no improvements in method can
increase knowledge, though they can facilitate the increase of knowledge.
The historian of pure science can trace its advance from the records of the earliest
recorded cultures to the 20th century, during which pure science has made greater advances
than ever before.
6th to 7th Centuries B.C. Thales and his school. Pythaggoeras and his
successors provided the first systematic method of understanding the natural
world, especially in the field of Mathematics and geometry. Figures were
constructed to provide proofs. The Egyptians, though less interested in strict
accuracy, made their contribution, as did the Arabians and Indians in the field
of arithmetical notation.
17th Century. The second upsurge of pure science began with Galileo and his
predecessor, Copernicus, who gave the world its first true understanding of the universe.
Astronomy and Mathematics were brought together for the purposes of navigation. Francis
Bacon sought to produce a system to replace that of Aristotle. The logical approach of
Renee Descartes was of great importance, though the greatest advances were made by Sir
Isaac Newton, who synthesized many theories into an intelligible whole.
Later advances took place in the field of biology, bacteriology, surgery, anthropology.
The names of Pasteur, Lister, Darwin and Harvey come to mind.
In the present century, atomic theory with all its consequences, was developed (Dalton),
and the new theories of light, relativity and quantum mathematics. (Einstein).
Although applied science will always remain the handmaid of pure science, it
is also true that the advanced machines made possible by higher technology,
enable the advance of pure science. Thus, although theory produced the telescope
and the microscope as optical research instruments, electronics transformed
both. The fact that we can now see into the far universe and into the
construction of matter has had a profound effect on the theories concerning
both. Another example of many is the modern computer. While this remains the
servant of the brain which invented it, one of its uses is to make a multitude
of instantaneous calculations. This in turn eliminates the
laborious mechanical
aspects of investigation and gives the researcher the tools for making rapid new
discoveries. |
