Quote#World
Discrepancy between theory and practice, which in sound physical and…
Quote byWilliam John Macquorn Rankine · 1820–1872
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: "Introductory Lecture on the Harmony of Theory and Practice in Mechanics" (1856), p. 4.
English (original)
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.
— William John Macquorn Rankine
More from William John Macquorn Rankine
[O]f that scientifically practical skill which produces the greatest effect with the least possible expenditure of material and work, the instances are comparatively rare.
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.
is still occasionally to be traced. This it is which opposes the mutual communication of ideas between men of science and men of practice
The evil influence of the supposed inconsistency of theory and practice upon speculative science
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 …
With respect to those works which, from unscientific design, give way during or immediately after their erection, I shall say little; for with all their evils, they add to our experimental knowledge, and convey a lesson, though a costly …