On Einstein's invention of special relativity

pp. 191-216

in: Arthur I. Miller, Frontiers of physics: 1900–1911, Basel, Birkhäuser, 1986

Abstract

Mach’s weakness, as I see it, lies in the fact that he believed more or less strongly, that science consists merely of putting experimental results in order; that is, he did not recognize the free constructive element in the creation of a concept. He thought that somehow theories arise by means of discovery [durch Entdeckung] and not by means of invention [nicht durch Erfindung]. (1972, p. 391, italics in original).