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The ascertainment and illustration of truth are the objects; and structures and machines are looked upon merely as natural bodies are; namely, as furnishing experimental data for the ascertaining of principles and examples for their application.

— William John Macquorn Rankine On the Harmony of Theory and Practice in Mechanics (1856)

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More quotes by William John Macquorn Rankine

A hypothetical theory is necessary, as a preliminary step, to reduce the expression of the phenomena to simplicity and order before it is possible to make any progress in framing an abstractive theory.

Outlines of the Science of Energetics (1855)

Discrepancy between theory and practice, which in sound physical and mechanical science is a delusion, has a real existence in the minds of men; and that fallacy, through rejected by their judgments, continues to exert and influence over their acts.

Introductory Lecture on the Harmony of Theory and Practice in Mechanics (1856)

In this branch of study exactness is an essential feature; and mathematical difficulties must not be shrunk from when the nature of the subject leads to them.

On the Harmony of Theory and Practice in Mechanics (1856)

This law (regarding the theoretical efficiency of heat engines by Mr. Joule), and the law of the maximum efficiency of heat engines, are particular cases of a general law which regulates all transformation of energy, and is the basis of the Science of Energetics.

Manual of Applied Mechanics (1858)

The most absurd of all their delusions commonly called the perpetual motion, or to speak more accurately, the inexhaustible source of power—is, in various forms, the subject of several patents in each year.

On the Harmony of Theory and Practice in Mechanics (1856)

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