The Natural Philosophy of Paintings

Abstract

IN his inaugural lecture in 1936 as Tait professor of natural philosophy in the University of Edinburgh, Prof. Max Born referred to an essential difference between science and art. Mathematical and physical theories deserve well if they meet the intellectual needs of their period, whereas the creations of great artists are for all time. It might appear from this that mankind is obliged to reckon with continuous change in his scientific concepts, and can hope to find rest unto his soul only in the static nature of art. However this may be, it is no purpose of the present article to' insist upon such a distinction, but (Sn the contrary, rather to inquire into the conditions which exist (or may exist) tending to bring the worker in the 'exact sciences into contact with the world of art and its problems.