How did William Whewell describe the method of science?

William Whewell Read more from
Chapter Nineteenth Century Philosophy

In his 1837 book, History of the Inductive Sciences, Whewell described scientific methodology as a three-part process, beginning with a “prelude” of isolated facts, progressing toward laws or generalizations, and culminating in “colligation” by scientists during an “inductive epoch” in which a theory is created. The last stage is a “sequel” in which the theory is refined and applied to new facts.