Single Idea 3863

[catalogued under 14. Science / A. Basis of Science / 5. Anomalies]

Full Idea

When scientists observed the motion of Uranus, they did not give up on Newtonian mechanics. Instead they posited the existence of Neptune.

Gist of Idea

The anomaly of Uranus didn't destroy Newton's mechanics - it led to Neptune's discovery

Source

W.H. Newton-Smith (The Rationality of Science [1981], III.9)

Book Reference

Newton-Smith,W.H.: 'The Rationality of Science' [RKP 1981], p.73