This article describes the Boltzmann's conception of physical theory, which was mainly developed between the final years of the 19th century. It is not our purpose to describe and to explain his outstanding scientific results, but to analyze his view of this domain of the physical science, which was consolidated at that time. Boltzmann was elected for some of the first chairs in theoretical physics created in Austria and Germany. This fact permitted him to play a very important role in the process of institutionalization of theoretical physics.
Boltzmann; theoretical physics; representation; history of Science