“The proper method for inquiring after the properties of things is to deduce them from experiments.”
- January 4, 1643 – March 31, 1727
- Born in England (UK)
- Natural philosopher, mathematician, physicist, astronomer, theologian
- Proposed the laws of universal gravitation and motion, built the foundations of modern science, and systematized theories of natural philosophy and mathematics.
Quote
“The proper method for inquiring after the properties of things is to deduce them from experiments.”
Explanation
In this quote, Isaac Newton emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence in understanding the properties of natural phenomena. Newton is advocating for a scientific method based on experimentation, where conclusions are drawn not from speculative theories or abstract reasoning alone, but from observable and repeatable experiments. This approach was a hallmark of the Scientific Revolution, during which Newton and other scientists sought to establish reliable, testable methods for exploring the natural world. By relying on experiments, Newton believed that scientists could reveal the true properties of objects and forces, providing clear, tangible evidence to support or challenge hypotheses.
Newton’s commitment to empirical observation and experimental verification was central to his work in fields like mechanics, optics, and mathematics. His formulation of the laws of motion and universal gravitation was based on rigorous mathematical modeling and careful experiments that allowed him to demonstrate the accuracy of his theories. This approach contrasted with earlier scientific traditions, where many explanations were based on philosophical speculation or religious doctrine. Newton’s insistence that the properties of things must be deduced from experiments helped lay the foundation for modern scientific inquiry, where empirical data remains the cornerstone of developing theories and understanding the natural world.
Today, Newton’s emphasis on experimentation continues to guide scientific research across fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. The principle that scientific theories must be tested against the evidence of experiments remains a fundamental aspect of the scientific method. Newton’s words serve as a reminder that true knowledge comes from observation, testing, and validation, and not from untested ideas or assumptions. The rigorous approach to experimentation that he championed has shaped how science is practiced today, ensuring that theories about the natural world are grounded in reliable, measurable evidence.
