ABSTRACT
This chapter is meant to find out whether such an assumed common core can indeed be identified. How then can the term scientific images be best understood? To answer this question, the nature of scientific images will be approached in three steps. Firstly, the chapter considers the extension of the term 'visual representation' in science. Secondly, It examines the visual element involved and addresses the intension of the term. The last aspect to be taken into account in this chapter will be the question of whether there are any helpful correlations between insights gained by this analysis of paradigmatic instances of scientific images and any put forward in theoretical approaches in picture theory. The list of examples of scientific images mentioned at the beginning of this chapter suggests that they are, broadly conceived, purposefully brought about to store and often also to transmit information.
