It seems like you're asking about how the idea of matter differs from that of scientists. However, this phrasing is a bit unclear. To give you a helpful answer, I need to understand what you're comparing.

For example, are you asking:

* How did the *public's* understanding of matter differ from that of scientists?

* How did the idea of matter differ *throughout history* as scientists learned more?

* How does the modern scientific understanding of matter differ from *alternative theories*?

Please provide more context or rephrase your question so I can give you a more precise and informative answer.