the partial differential equation is the mistress of theoretical physics

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An example of metaphor used in a scientist's writing:

"Thus the partial differential equation entered theoretical physics as a handmaid, but has gradually become mistress."

Albert Einstein

Einstein, A. (1931). Maxwell's influence on the evolution of the idea of physical reality (S. Bargmann, Trans.). In Ideas and Opinions. The Modern Library.

Einstein uses two related metaphors (extended metphor) here to suggest how the status of partial differential equations had changed in physics:

• the partial differential equation had been a handmaid
• but now she is the mistress

[Please be aware that a word may have different nuances, or even a different meaning, according to context.]« Back to Index