It's impossible to pinpoint a single inventor of the "physical model" as a concept. The idea of using physical objects to represent and understand something else has been around for millennia.

Here's why:

* Early Models: Humans have been using physical models for centuries. Think about early cave paintings depicting hunting scenes, or the ancient Egyptians building miniature pyramids to understand the real thing.

* Scientific Models: The use of physical models in science has been around for centuries. Galileo used models to study motion, and early anatomists created wax models of the human body.

* Engineering Models: Engineering has long relied on physical models for everything from building bridges to designing airplanes.

* The Evolution of Models: The concept of "model" itself has evolved over time. Today, we use computer models to simulate complex systems.

Instead of focusing on a single inventor, it's more accurate to understand the history and evolution of physical models across various fields and cultures. This history involves contributions from countless individuals and civilizations.

So, while we can't credit one person with the invention of the physical model, we can recognize the important role it has played in our understanding of the world.