Author notes

105. Gravity, Very Pretty

usedbooks

on Nov. 14, 2010

Newton claimed to have been inspired by an apple tree, and there is no reason to doubt the story. Inspiration is found in strange places. (The lemon thing is just a joke.)

Gravity is now considered scientific law rather than theory. The difference is subtle. Laws are theories which are not being actively contested and are generally accepted as the best current model for a phenomenon. Is gravity a fact? That is immaterial. Science is not concerned with facts. Its only purpose is to come up with ways to explain observations and predict trends. So, whatever model works for the most accurate prediction/calculation is fine – and of course, different models often have benefits over each other in different trials… so it is a journey of discovery and modification. Science leaves "facts" to historians and "truths" to philosophers and theologians. ;)

I wanted to use the artist's name for the last panel, but the "Lemon Tree" doesn't have such a simple history. The version I listened to as a child was sung by Peter, Paul, and Mary. However, it was written by Will Holt, who translated it from a Brazilian folk song Meu limão, meu limoeiro, which was arranged by José Carlos Burle and sung by Wilson Simonal. Quite a few other singers and groups have performed the song over the years.