“To the pure geometer the radius of curvature is an incidental characteristic - like the grin of the Cheshire cat. To the physicist it is an indispensable characteristic. It would be going too far to say that to the physicist the cat is merely incidental to the grin. Physics is concerned with interrelatedness such as the interrelatedness of cats and grins. In this case the "cat without a grin" and the "grin without a cat" are equally set aside as purely mathematical phantasies.”
Quote by Arthur Eddington
Work
The Expanding Universe: Astronomy's 'Great Debate', 1900-1931
This book delves into the historical and scientific context of the 'Great Debate' in astronomy, focusing on the period from 1900 to 1931. It examines the key figures, theories, and experiments that shaped our understanding of the cosmos during this pivotal era. more
Author
Arthur Eddington
Arthur Eddington was a distinguished British astronomer recognized for his contributions to astrophysics and cosmology. He is particularly renowned for his observations during the 1919 solar eclipse, which validated Einstein's theory of general relativity. Eddington's legacy in astronomy has significantly advanced our comprehension of the cosmos. more