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When the properties of an ideal model have been worked out by rigorous mathematics, all the underlying assumptions being clearly understood, then it becomes possible to say that such-and-such properties and laws lead precisely to such-and-such effects. If any other disregarded factors are present, they should now betray themselves when a comparison is made with Nature.

— Arthur Eddington The Internal Constitution of the Stars (1920)

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More quotes by Arthur Eddington

Physics has in the main contented itself with studying the abridged edition of the book of nature.

Mind is the first and most direct thing in our experience; all else is remote inference.

Science and the Unseen World (1929)

It is impossible to trap modern physics into predicting anything with perfect determinism because it deals with probabilities from the outset.

New Pathways in Science (1935)

All change is relative. The universe is expanding relatively to our common material standards; our material standards are shrinking relatively to the size of the universe.

The Expanding Universe (1933)

The whole subject-matter of exact science consists of pointer readings and similar indications.

The Nature of the Physical World (1928)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Arthur Eddington (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.