Stephen Wolfram

SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

But then—basically starting in the early 1980s—there was a burst of progress based on a new idea (of which, yes, I seem to have ultimately been the primary initiator): the idea of using simple programs , rather than mathematical equations, as the basis for models of things in nature and elsewhere. Chemistry / Molecular Biology.

Physics 65

Physics Science Sciences Mathematics 65

Stephen Wolfram

SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

But then—basically starting in the early 1980s—there was a burst of progress based on a new idea (of which, yes, I seem to have ultimately been the primary initiator): the idea of using simple programs , rather than mathematical equations, as the basis for models of things in nature and elsewhere. Chemistry / Molecular Biology.

Science 64

Science Sciences Physics Mathematics 64

Stephen Wolfram

JANUARY 31, 2023

There was one major exception, however, in 1738, when—as part of his eclectic mathematical career spanning probability theory, elasticity theory, biostatistics, economics and more— Daniel Bernoulli (1700–1782) published his book on hydrodynamics. Nevertheless, every insurance company places its faith in the calculus of probabilities.

Energy 88

Energy Physics Argumentation Mathematics 88

Stephen Wolfram

AUGUST 22, 2023

It didn’t help that his knowledge of physics was at best spotty (and, for example, I don’t think he ever really learned calculus). But suffice it say to that Ed’s old nemesis—calculus—comes in very handy. It’s actually a nice application for calculus. The details are a bit complicated—and I’ve put them in an appendix below.

Computer 68

Computer Physics Science Sciences 68