The History of Physics
In order to attempt to trace the origins of the modern science that we now refer to
as “physics,” we must begin with the origin of the term itself. Taken from the Greek
word “physika” meaning growth or nature, physics most obviously began as the
intelligent study of the human environment (Webster 393). From superstition and
religious practices, the foundation of all other sciences was born. These concepts have
subsequently grown into what we regard today as physics.
It can be easily argued that the earliest evidence of mankind’s scientific
assessment of the physical world can be traced to the Babylonians. In all
probability, the Babylonians had the first written language (Neugebauer 7). If for no
other reason then these written records, we consider Babylonians to exhibit the first
known efforts to understand things in a scientific method.
The ancient Babylonians developed standards of weights and measures to ensure
fair trade. They implemented a system of counting that was in many ways superior to our
present system. Ancient Babylonians are credited with originating the studies of the sun,
moon and stars that we base our calendars on to this present day (Spangenburg 5). Most
important to this discussion of the origins of modern physics is the fact that some ancient
Babylonian math tablets show that the Babylonians had ideas about Pythagoras’ Theorem
one-thousand years before Pythagoras lived.
Archeological evidence certainly supports that physics as an intelligent, scientific
study of matter and energy dates back to the earliest existences of human civilization. As
long as human beings have been organizing themselves, t...
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... middle of paper ... ... We can trace the origins of modern scientific trends back to Greek primal establishment. From the simplistic Socratic approach of ‘Who am I?’
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Aristotle's book The Physics, was in existence by about 350 B.C. This book is mainly concerned with change a...
Note: The first seconds of the universe were pure energy. That energy was transformed into the matter and energy that is recognizable today. Einstein’s notable equation, E=MC2, predicted the relationship between energy and mass. In other words, energy is equal to mass, multiplied by the speed of light squared.
Ferinad Puretz, Max. 'True Science', Review of Peter Medawar, Advice to a Young Scientist. N.p.: n.p., 1980. Print.
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Light history on the Scientific Revolution. Used it to the best of my knowledge to help my paper.
the bulk to ordinary matter; the volume of an atom is nearly all occupied by the
Amidst many similarities, the rift between ancient and modern science is enormous and has frequently left historians puzzled. Although it is clear to historians that the stagnant science of ancient times developed into the modern scientific pursuit in the 17th century, it is not clear what specifically caused this revolution of scientific thought.
The Scientific Revolution was sparked through Nicolaus Copernicusí unique use of mathematics. His methods developed from Greek astr...
It was a period in which there was an epidemic of a genius virus in Europe for scientists, explorers, inventors of many things including mathematics. Among them was Isaac Newton (1642-1727) who co-invented calculus, discovered the Binomial Theorem, and formulated a theory of universal gravitation (Smith). Newton has been regarded for almost 300 years as the founding exemplar of modern physical science, his achievements in experimental investigation being as innovative as these in mathematical research.
Physics began when man first started to study his surroundings. Early applications of physics include the invention of the wheel and of primitive weapons. The people who built Stone Henge had knowledge of physical mechanics in order to move the rocks and place them on top of each other. It was not until during the period of Greek culture that the first systematic treatment of physics started with the use of mechanics. Thales is often said to have been the first scientist, and the first Greek philosopher. He was an astronomer, merchant and mathematician, and after visiting Egypt he is said to have originated the science of deductive geometry. He also discovered theorems of elementary geometry and is said to have correctly predicted an eclipse of the sun. Many of his studies were in astronomy but he also observed static electricity. Phythogoras was a Greek philosopher. He discovered simple numerical ratios relating the musical tones of major consonances, to the length of the strings used in sounding them. The Pythagorean theorem was named after him, although this fundamental statements of deductive geometry was most likely first an idea from Egyptian methods of measurements. With the help of his followers he discovered that the earth was a sphere, but he did not believe it revolved around the sun.