Energy, Force and Matter: The Conceptual Development of Nineteenth-Century PhysicsCambridge University Press, 1982 M04 30 - 182 pages By focusing on the conceptual issues faced by nineteenth century physicists, this book clarifies the status of field theory, the ether, and thermodynamics in the work of the period. A remarkably synthetic account of a difficult and fragmentary period in scientific development. |
Contents
Introduction The Conceptual Structure of NineteenthCentury Physics | 1 |
The Context of Physical Theory Energy Force and Matter | 12 |
Energy Physics and Mechanical Explanation | 45 |
Matter and Force Ether and Field Theories | 72 |
Matter Theory Problems of Molecular Physics | 120 |
Other editions - View all
Energy, Force and Matter: The Conceptual Development of Nineteenth-Century ... Peter Michael Harman No preview available - 1982 |
Common terms and phrases
argued atomic theory bodies Boltzmann caloric theory Carnot cycle chemical affinity chemical atomic chemical elements Clausius Clausius's conservation of energy discussion dynamical theory elastic solid electric and magnetic electrical forces electrodynamics electromagnetic field electromagnetic theory emphasised entropy equations equipartition theorem equivalence of heat experimental Faraday Faraday's force law formulation Fourier's framework Fresnel's fundamental heat engines Helmholtz Hertz imponderable fluid irreversibility Joule Joule's kinetic theory law of thermodynamics lines of force living force Lorentz luminiferous ether magnetic forces mathematical Maxwell Maxwell's theory mechanical explanation mechanical model mechanical theory mechanical view molecular motions molecular structure molecules nineteenth century nineteenth-century physics optical ordinary matter paper phenomena Physical Sciences physical theory physicists polarisation principle problems programme of mechanical quantity Rankine representation represented rotation second law statistical substances Tait theory of gases theory of heat theory of light theory of molecular thermal tion unified velocity vibrations view of nature vortex vortices