What was mentioned as a surprising source for gaining insight into how the British and French had different styles of doing physics in the late 1800s?

One surprising source for gaining insight into the differing styles of physics between the British and French in the late 1800s was the examination of the educational systems and methodologies prevalent in each country. Historians and scholars have noted that the British approach tended to be more empirical and experimental, focusing on practical applications and observations, while the French approach was characterized by a preference for theoretical frameworks and mathematical rigor.

Additionally, the cultural philosophies and scientific communities in each country played significant roles. For example, the British physicists often emphasized individual experimentation and discovery, whereas French physicists were more inclined to value collaborative endeavors and formal education in theoretical physics. This contrast was not only rooted in differing educational institutions but also in the broader intellectual traditions and scientific practices that shaped the development of physics during that period.