In his book "Seeing Further: The Story of Science and the Royal Society," Bill Bryson discusses the common perception of science as divided into 'pure' and 'applied' categories. While these terms help us understand different aspects of scientific inquiry, Bryson warns against viewing them as rigid or absolute distinctions. He emphasizes that both branches often overlap and inform one another, leading to a more nuanced understanding of science as a whole.

By analyzing the relationship between pure and applied sciences, Bryson highlights the complexities involved in scientific progress. The notion that these categories are strictly separate can mislead us into underestimating the interdependence of various scientific endeavors and the collaborative nature of research, ultimately shaping how we engage with and perceive the scientific world.