A historical case study of a "nested analogy"

pp. 463-470

in: Lorenzo Magnani (ed), Model-based reasoning in science and technology, Berlin, Springer, 2014

Abstract

In order to understand human neuromuscular function, Luigi Galvani had to face the problem relative to the way in which "animal electricity" may be stored in animal tissue. Searching for a solution, Galvani built a hybrid model which constitutes a "nested analogy". This model satisfies constraints provided by objects of his work environment. I defend the claim that the model visual structure is based on a factual or physical scenario—as opposed to counterfactual or imaginary. But this assertion does not imply that the visual structure comes from an existing structure recognized as the target.