* A quote to follow so

There are no such things as applied sciences, only applications of science.
- Louis Pasteur

so there...!

* The Appliance of Science

So everyday of working in a building situated on Alexandra Parade, I get whatever bus turns up at the old Renfield Street Odeon and goes along Cathedral Street to the Royal Infirmary and along the Parade.

Reverse journey for the way home: along the Parade to the Royal, along Cathedral Street, into town.

So twice a day I pass Strathclyde Uni.

And every time without fail, my eyes are drawn to a certain building... where the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry is based.

And so twice a day [at least] I find myself wondering: what's the difference between pure and applied chemistry?

Is it 'pure chemistry' as in 'pure dead brilliant' or 'pure mad mental'...?

"tha' wis pure chemistry, man!"

And if you find a use for some pure chemistry, does it then become applied chemistry because you are using - applying - it to something?

And how does that work for maths - pure and applied mathematics? How can maths be pure when the purpose of a sum/equation/whatever is to work something out and get a result, therefore the maths is being applied to get said result...?

?:-~