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First published in 1967. The impression is sometimes given that the
Atomic Theory was revived in the early years of the nineteenth
century by John Dalton, and that continuously from then on it has
played a vital role in chemistry. The aim of this study is to
revise this over-simplified picture. Atomic explanations seemed to
chemists to go beyond the facts, to fail to lend themselves to
mathematical expression, and to deny the ultimate simplicity and
unity of all matter. Most, therefore, rejected them. Meanwhile,
physicists were developing a whole range of atomic theories to
explain the physical properties of bodies in terms of very simple
atoms or particles. During the last thirty years of the century the
position changed, as physicists and chemists came to agree on a
common atomic theory. But the last prominent opponents of atomism
were not converted until the early years of the twentieth century,
by which time studies of radioactivity had made it clear that the
billiard-ball Daltonian atom must, in any case, be abandoned.
First published in 1967. The impression is sometimes given that the
Atomic Theory was revived in the early years of the nineteenth
century by John Dalton, and that continuously from then on it has
played a vital role in chemistry. The aim of this study is to
revise this over-simplified picture. Atomic explanations seemed to
chemists to go beyond the facts, to fail to lend themselves to
mathematical expression, and to deny the ultimate simplicity and
unity of all matter. Most, therefore, rejected them. Meanwhile,
physicists were developing a whole range of atomic theories to
explain the physical properties of bodies in terms of very simple
atoms or particles. During the last thirty years of the century the
position changed, as physicists and chemists came to agree on a
common atomic theory. But the last prominent opponents of atomism
were not converted until the early years of the twentieth century,
by which time studies of radioactivity had made it clear that the
billiard-ball Daltonian atom must, in any case, be abandoned.
The years between 1700 and 1900 witnessed a fundamental transition
in attitudes towards science, as earlier concepts of natural
philosophy were replaced with a more modern conception of science.
This process was by no means a simple progression, and the changing
attitudes to science was marked by bitter arguments and fundamental
differences of opinion, many of which are still not entirely
resolved today. Approaching the subject from a number of cultural
angles, the essays in this volume explore the fluid relationship
between science and belief during this crucial period, and help to
trace the development of science as an independent field of study
that did not look to religion to provide answers to the workings of
the universe. Taking a broadly chronological approach, each essay
in this book addresses a theme that helps illuminate these concerns
and highlights how beliefs - both religious and secular - have
impinged and influenced the scientific world. By addressing such
key issues such as the ongoing debate between Christian
fundamentalists and followers of Darwin, and the rise of
'respectable atheism', fascinating insights are provided that help
to chart the ever-shifting discourse of science and beliefs.
The years between 1700 and 1900 witnessed a fundamental transition
in attitudes towards science, as earlier concepts of natural
philosophy were replaced with a more modern conception of science.
This process was by no means a simple progression, and the changing
attitudes to science was marked by bitter arguments and fundamental
differences of opinion, many of which are still not entirely
resolved today. Approaching the subject from a number of cultural
angles, the essays in this volume explore the fluid relationship
between science and belief during this crucial period, and help to
trace the development of science as an independent field of study
that did not look to religion to provide answers to the workings of
the universe. Taking a broadly chronological approach, each essay
in this book addresses a theme that helps illuminate these concerns
and highlights how beliefs - both religious and secular - have
impinged and influenced the scientific world. By addressing such
key issues such as the ongoing debate between Christian
fundamentalists and followers of Darwin, and the rise of
'respectable atheism', fascinating insights are provided that help
to chart the ever-shifting discourse of science and beliefs.
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