| Abstract: | The observational sciences have long been considered to be the archaic precursors of the experimental sciences. Scientific progress over the last part of this century has led us to reconsider the reality of this proposed evolution. Will Astronomy ever become an experimental science? Yet pulsars and cosmic rays do constitute topics of scientific studies. Are Ecology and Meteorology archaic? Do they not contribute to the renewal of the studies of instabilities and of strange attractors?These observational sciences, once considered in decline but actually in full development with the creation of modern techniques of observation, analytical measurements and computation, have been granted a worldwide recognition by Anna-Greta and Holger Crafoord and the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences by the creation of the Crafoord Prize to be awarded to a range of non-experimental sciences. Hence, I would like to thank Mrs. Crafoord, the Swedish Royal Academy and His Majesty the King who placed this Fund under their high Patronage.To this gathering of renewed observational sciences, Geosciences do not arrive with their hands empty. Among the various disciplines which have contributed to this development this year, you have identified Isotopic Geology for recognition. As the recipient of the prize representing this field, I will try to present my personal views of the field, its development and future. |
