Horror vacui (physics)
Encyclopedia
In physics
horror vacui, or plenism, is a theory first proposed by Aristotle
in the Fourth book of Physics
(or Physica) that nature abhors a vacuum, and therefore empty space would always be trying to suck in gas or liquids to avoid being empty. The theory was widely accepted for a long time and supported by Galileo Galilei
as resintenza del vacuo. Galilei was surprised by the fact that water could not raise above certain level in aspiration tube in his pump, leading him to conclude that there is a limit to the phenomena. His pupil Evangelista Torricelli
stated in 1644 that the level of mercury
in a closed tube was dependent on the pressure of surrounding air. In 1647 Blaise Pascal
proved this notion in his famous vide dans le vide (“emptiness in emptiness”) experiment. The Magdeburg Hemispheres
used by Otto von Guericke
in 1650 were seen by some as proof that Aristotle's theory was not correct (see more on this topic in history of thermodynamics
). For a scholarly discussion Leviathan and the Air-Pump
, by Shapin and Schaffer 1985, is particularly instructive in the 17th century debate between Thomas Hobbes
, supporting the plenum, and Robert Boyle
's experimental demonstration of the vacuum.
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
horror vacui, or plenism, is a theory first proposed by Aristotle
Aristotle
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. His writings cover many subjects, including physics, metaphysics, poetry, theater, music, logic, rhetoric, linguistics, politics, government, ethics, biology, and zoology...
in the Fourth book of Physics
Physics (Aristotle)
The Physics of Aristotle is one of the foundational books of Western science and philosophy...
(or Physica) that nature abhors a vacuum, and therefore empty space would always be trying to suck in gas or liquids to avoid being empty. The theory was widely accepted for a long time and supported by Galileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei , was an Italian physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher who played a major role in the Scientific Revolution. His achievements include improvements to the telescope and consequent astronomical observations and support for Copernicanism...
as resintenza del vacuo. Galilei was surprised by the fact that water could not raise above certain level in aspiration tube in his pump, leading him to conclude that there is a limit to the phenomena. His pupil Evangelista Torricelli
Evangelista Torricelli
Evangelista Torricelli was an Italian physicist and mathematician, best known for his invention of the barometer.-Biography:Evangelista Torricelli was born in Faenza, part of the Papal States...
stated in 1644 that the level of mercury
Mercury (element)
Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is also known as quicksilver or hydrargyrum...
in a closed tube was dependent on the pressure of surrounding air. In 1647 Blaise Pascal
Blaise Pascal
Blaise Pascal , was a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer and Catholic philosopher. He was a child prodigy who was educated by his father, a tax collector in Rouen...
proved this notion in his famous vide dans le vide (“emptiness in emptiness”) experiment. The Magdeburg Hemispheres
Magdeburg hemispheres
The Magdeburg hemispheres are a pair of large copper hemispheres with mating rims. When the rims were sealed with grease and the air was pumped out, the sphere contained a vacuum and could not be pulled apart by teams of horses...
used by Otto von Guericke
Otto von Guericke
Otto von Guericke was a German scientist, inventor, and politician...
in 1650 were seen by some as proof that Aristotle's theory was not correct (see more on this topic in history of thermodynamics
History of thermodynamics
The history of thermodynamics is a fundamental strand in the history of physics, the history of chemistry, and the history of science in general...
). For a scholarly discussion Leviathan and the Air-Pump
Leviathan and the Air-Pump
Leviathan and the Air-Pump: Hobbes, Boyle, and the Experimental Life is a book by Steven Shapin and Simon Schaffer. It examines the debate between Robert Boyle and Thomas Hobbes over Boyle's air-pump experiments in the 1660s. On a more theoretical level, the book explores the deeper issue of...
, by Shapin and Schaffer 1985, is particularly instructive in the 17th century debate between Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury , in some older texts Thomas Hobbs of Malmsbury, was an English philosopher, best known today for his work on political philosophy...
, supporting the plenum, and Robert Boyle
Robert Boyle
Robert Boyle FRS was a 17th century natural philosopher, chemist, physicist, and inventor, also noted for his writings in theology. He has been variously described as English, Irish, or Anglo-Irish, his father having come to Ireland from England during the time of the English plantations of...
's experimental demonstration of the vacuum.