Fourier’s invention of Fourier series probably qualifies as a method that exceeded in importance the theory of heat in which it was developed.

Carnot’s idealized steam engine is another example.

I think extending Galileo’s 3D/2D differential scaling to 4D/3D is more important than problems for which it was developed, Kleiber’s Law and dark energy:

Preprint Extend Galileo's scaling to 4D. Solve problems.

Can you give instances of where the method found assumed more importance than the problem to which the method was addressed?

And references?

More Robert Shour's questions See All
Similar questions and discussions