Second, closely related to the distinction between observations
and inferences is the distinction between scientific
laws and theories. Laws are statements or descriptions of
the relationships among observable phenomena. Boyle’s
law, which relates the pressure of a gas to its volume at a
constant temperature, is a case in point. Theories, by contrast,
are inferred explanations for observable phenomena.
The kinetic molecular theory, which explains Boyle’s law,
is one example. Theories and laws are both very important
to science and they are different types of knowledge.
Theories do not mature into laws.