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350
YEARS
OF
SCIENCE
15
© Maxim_Kazmin - Fotolia
A diagram of an atom: the core diameter is
about 100,000 times smaller than the elec-
tron orbits.
© koya979 - Fotolia
Carbon nanotube
© Catherine Bréchignac
An outline of the principle of operation of GPS
of one-electron electronics. Such cumulative science is
not constructed in a linear way but it progresses in steps
often associated with paradigm shifts that always lead
to gain more comprehension. Successive theories are
but approximations of more general theories. “
Science
is constantly removing itself
” wrote, once again, Victor
Hugo.
Science differs from literature and arts. Scientific
breakthroughs materialize when the acquired
knowledge allows a deeper understanding to
emerge. Men of science are, all levels being
equal, interchangeable. Had Einstein not existed,
another would have found relativity, perhaps not
as fast, or maybe would it have been necessary
to team up. In any case, building on general
relativity, we would have developed our GPSs
with as much precision.