Viewpoint
Whose Law of Refraction?
The law of refraction is one of the most fundamental and important principles in optical science. After years of conflict over who discovered it first—Snel, Hariot or Descartes—some Arab scholars have now brought the 10th-century scientist Ibn Sahl into the fray. Here, Gorden Videen ponders the question: Can’t we all just get along?
Log in or become a member to view the full text of this article.
This article may be available for purchase via the search at Optica Publishing Group.
Optica Members get the full text of Optics & Photonics News, plus a variety of other member benefits.