---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: [The infinitely small] neither have nor…"
description: "\"[The infinitely small] neither have nor can have theory; it is a dangerous instrument in the hands of beginners [ ... ] anticipating, for my part, the ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/926/francois-joseph-servois-238005_accused_the-infinitely-small-neither-have-nor-ca_2512925.jpg"
---

#  \[The infinitely small\] neither have nor can have theory…

![“[The infinitely small] neither have nor can have theory; it is a dangerous instrument in the hands of beginners [ ... ] anticipating, for my part, the judgement of posterity, I would dare predict that this method will be accused one day, and rightly, of having retarded the progress of the…” quote by Francois-Joseph Servois](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/926/francois-joseph-servois-238005_accused_the-infinitely-small-neither-have-nor-ca_2512925.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/926/francois-joseph-servois-238005_accused_the-infinitely-small-neither-have-nor-ca_2512925.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/926/francois-joseph-servois-238005_accused_the-infinitely-small-neither-have-nor-ca_2512925.jpg)

> “\[The infinitely small\] neither have nor can have theory; it is a dangerous instrument in the hands of beginners \[ ... \] anticipating, for my part, the judgement of posterity, I would dare predict that this method will be accused one day, and rightly, of having retarded the progress of the mathematical sciences.”

Francois-Joseph Servois

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He warns that using infinitesimal methods without caution can hinder scientific progress.

**In simple terms:** Misusing infinitesimals may slow science.

Key Takeaway

Apply new methods responsibly.

Themes

science methodology progress caution mathematics

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

academic philosophical

When to use this quote

- research
- education
- theoretical work

Key Concepts

philosophy of science mathematical foundations risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

- How can we balance caution and creativity?
- What safeguards protect scientific progress?

A Different Perspective

Over‑reliance can stifle innovation.

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[Beginners](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/beginners/) [Judgement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/judgement/) [Mathematics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mathematics/) [Progress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/progress/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/)

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