What Did Hooke Want from the Microscope? Magnification, Matter Theory and Mechanism

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 640-664
Author(s):  
Ian Lawson
Keyword(s):  
General Framework ◽  
Natural Phenomena ◽  
Mechanical Philosophy ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Fundamental Particles ◽  
Matter Theory

Abstract This article discusses Hooke’s microscopy in the context of the nature of his explanations of natural phenomena. It illustrates that while Hooke’s particular conception of microscopy certainly cohered with his general framework of mechanical philosophy, he thought of his microscope as an artisanal tool that could help him examine unknown natural machinery. It seems, however, that he never used magnifying lenses with the hope of confirming mechanism by glimpsing fundamental particles. Indeed, through a consideration of sources spanning from his 1665 Micrographia to a lecture delivered in the 1690s, it seems Hooke did not believe such particles existed and thought microscopic and macroscopic bodies arose through the same natural processes, though could have very different properties from one another.

Proposing "analogy experiment" as a sub-category of "analog experiment" in earth science

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mie Ichihara
Keyword(s):  
Complex Dynamics ◽  
Earth Science ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Natural Phenomena ◽  
Natural Systems ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Experimental Systems ◽  
Analog Experiment ◽  
Education And Outreach ◽  
Analog Experiments

<p>In the earth and planetary sciences, the term "analog experiment" indicates laboratory experiments that use analog materials to investigate natural processes. Scaled experiments constitute a representative sub-category of analog experiments. They are designed to have the same dominant dimensionless parameter in the same range as the targeted natural processes. Other primary uses of analog experiments are education and outreach. Reproducing similar phenomena in front of the audience is useful in explaining the essence of the complex dynamics of natural processes. However, it is often the case that we do not fully understand the physics of the experimental systems or the targeted natural phenomena. In such cases, especially when the process is complex, it is difficult to guarantee the scaling similarity. When we take such laboratory phenomena as a research subject of earth science, we encounter critical comments about the scaling issue.</p><p>Nevertheless, I think it scientifically important to consider questions like follows. What is the mechanism of the experimental phenomena? Why the behaviors of the experiment look similar to the natural phenomena? To what extent the laboratory and the natural systems are similar. To indicate experimental studies to elucidate these questions, I would like to define "analogy experiment" as a new sub-category of analog experiments.  Some recent experiments are presented as examples.</p>

The Significance of "Chymical Atomism"

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 248-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Newman
Keyword(s):  
Seventeenth Century ◽  
Middle Ages ◽  
Common Property ◽  
Robert Boyle ◽  
Mechanical Philosophy ◽  
Matter Theory ◽  
The Common ◽  
Historical Treatment ◽  
The Middle Ages

AbstractThe historical treatment of atomism and the mechanical philosophy largely neglects what I call "chymical atomism," namely a type of pre-Daltonian corpuscular matter theory that postulated particles of matter which were operationally indivisible. From the Middle Ages onwards, alchemists influenced by Aristotle's Meteorology, De caelo, and De generatione et corruptione argued for the existence of robust corpuscles of matter that resisted analysis by laboratory means. As I argue in the present paper, this alchemical tradition entered the works of Daniel Sennert and Robert Boyle, and became the common property of seventeenth-century chymists. Through Boyle, G.E. Stahl, and other chymists, the operational atomism of the alchemists was even transmitted to Antoine Laurent Lavoisier, where it became the basis of his claim that elements are simply "the final limit that analysis reaches."

scholarly journals <i>HESS Opinions</i> "A random walk on water"

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 6611-6658 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Koutsoyiannis
Keyword(s):  
Random Walk ◽  
Time Horizon ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Intrinsic Property ◽  
Natural Phenomena ◽  
Stochastic Representation ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Stochastic Properties ◽  
High Uncertainty

Abstract. According to the traditional notion of randomness and uncertainty, natural phenomena are separated into two mutually exclusive components, random (or stochastic) and deterministic. Within this dichotomous logic, the deterministic part supposedly represents cause-effect relationships and, thus, is physics and science (the "good"), whereas randomness has little relationship with science and no relationship with understanding (the "evil"). We argue that such views should be reconsidered by admitting that uncertainty is an intrinsic property of nature, that causality implies dependence of natural processes in time, thus suggesting predictability, but even the tiniest uncertainty (e.g., in initial conditions) may result in unpredictability after a certain time horizon. On these premises it is possible to shape a consistent stochastic representation of natural processes, in which predictability (suggested by deterministic laws) and unpredictability (randomness) coexist and are not separable or additive components. Deciding which of the two dominates is simply a matter of specifying the time horizon of the prediction. Long horizons of prediction are inevitably associated with high uncertainty, whose quantification relies on understanding the long-term stochastic properties of the processes.

scholarly journals THE GEOLOGICAL AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL MONUMENTS OF UKRAINE AND THEY SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL-COGNITIVE TOURISM

2021 ◽  
pp. 3-18
Author(s):  
Sergii Bortnyk ◽  
Volodymyr Grytsenko ◽  
Olena Ivanik ◽  
Tetiana Lavruk ◽  
Volodymyr Stetsiuk
Keyword(s):  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Natural Phenomena ◽  
Tourist Attractions ◽  
Cognitive Value ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Emotional Perception ◽  
The Status ◽  
Geological Factors ◽  
Scientific Significance ◽  
Geomorphological Processes

The article reviews publications devoted to geological and geomorphological monuments of Ukraine highlights specific features of their formation in different regions and reveals their importance for the development of nature-cognitive tourism as a basis for the formation of the tourism industry. The methodological unity of the concepts "geological monuments" and "geomorphological monuments", which characterize the original course of natural processes and their results and therefore have great scientific and cognitive value are considered. Emphasis is placed on the important participation of geomorphological processes in the formation of natural monuments, which show different geological monuments on the earth's surface and reflect not only the features of geological factors but also the diversity of relief processes, their dynamics, which determines the status of most monuments as "geological and geomorphological". Important for establishing the protection status of geological and geomorphological monuments are the developed criteria for assessing the aesthetics of the relief of Ukraine, its uniqueness, the presence of features "architecture-composition", combination with other elements of the landscape, stability or mobility, imagery – photogenicity, visual effect, emotional perception, attractiveness, etc. It is noted that the category of natural phenomena "geological and geomorphological monuments" is characterized by significant conservatism compared to other components of the natural environment. Such monuments are carriers of paleogeographic and ethnocultural content, which, in addition to scientific significance, gives them the status of interesting tourist attractions. This creates an opportunity for the development of nature-cognitive tourism, which can be both independent and successfully complements all other known types of tourism. Geological and geomorphological monuments influence the nature of recreational activities. The specificity and sequence of recreational functions of the relief of Ukraine according to the special properties of endogenous, exogenous, and anthropogenic genetic varieties of recreational geological and geomorphological monuments have been established. Key words: geotourism; nature-cognitive tourism; geological-geomorphological monuments; geoheritage of Ukraine.

The Symplegades

1987 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
William F. Pickard
Keyword(s):  
Natural Phenomena ◽  
Classical Literature ◽  
Know How ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Ancient Times

Classical literature abounds with references to natural phenomena which have no obvious counterparts in the present day; and it is always difficult to know how to interpret such references, whether they should be dismissed forthwith as the excesses of overwrought imaginations, or whether they should be classified as poetic licence, or whether they should be taken more seriously still and explanations sought in terms of subtle or uncommon natural processes which occurred in ancient times as well as modern.

Macroeconomic Instability and the “Natural” Processes in early Neoclassical Economics

1984 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 345-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Mirowski
Keyword(s):  
Economic Theory ◽  
Economic Policy ◽  
Macroeconomic Fluctuations ◽  
Neoclassical Economic ◽  
Neoclassical Economics ◽  
Natural Disturbances ◽  
Natural Phenomena ◽  
Historical Evidence ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Neoclassical Economic Theory

It may seem odd to disinter an economic theory—in this instance, William Stanley Jevons's claim that sunspots caused macroeconomic fluctuations—which no one now believes or much cares about. In fact, my purpose is not to scoff at a dead theory, but to use it as a pretext to discuss the following issues: economic historians often have suggested a dichotomy between a premodem and industrial macroeconomy, with the premodern economy largely at the mercy of weather and other natural phenomena; the dichotomy is rooted in early neoclassical economic theory (here restricting ourselves to Jevons); there is little historical evidence that premodern macro fluctuations were caused by natural disturbances, such as the weather (here restricting ourselves to the case of England); and the above three theses have some interesting implications for the way economic policy is conceived, both then and now.

scholarly journals The geographical prerequisites for the identification and prevention of dangerous geomorphological processes in the mountain geosystems of the Alpine-Himalayan belt (on the example of the Major Caucasus of Azerbaijan)

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 176-187
Author(s):  
Stara A. Tarikhazer
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Natural Phenomena ◽  
Mountainous Areas ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Himalayan Belt ◽  
Himalayan Orogenic Belt ◽  
Geomorphological Processes ◽  
The Stability

Destructive natural phenomena are a serious, sometimes unsolvable, regional and local environmental and socioeconomic problem. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of materials from long-term geomorphological studies in the mountainous areas on the example of the Major Caucasus of Azerbaijan. The dangerous geomorphological processes on the example of the Major Caucasus of Azerbaijan were investigated in detail using large-scale maps, satellite imagery and aerial photography. Geomorphological maps were drawn (map of mudflow hazard and map of landslide hazard in the Azerbaijani part of the Major Caucasus). The research determined the dangerous zones where landslides could cover 65–70% of the total area and outlined the zones and regularities of spread of various types of mudflow origination sites. The analysis of the manifestations of most active (with catastrophic consequences) destructive natural processes and the morphotectonic structure of the studied area showed that the their occurrence and maximum intensity was confined to the weakest plexuses of mountains – intersections of faults and fractures of various directions and orders. A technique for assessing the eco-geomorphological risk to prevent dangerous natural phenomena was offered. The technique is based on the detection of zones with intensive geomorphological processes, which are often not dangerous separately, but could have catastrophic consequences together. The results obtained during the assessment of the effect of natural and man-caused factors on the stability of montane ecosystems may be used to forecast dangerous natural phenomena and to research geodynamical dangerous geomorphological process not only in Azerbaijan, but also in other regions of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt. The obtained results can be used to plan and perform economic activities, determine and minimize the hazards and risks of occurrence of dangerous natural phenomena, and forecast such phenomena in the future.

scholarly journals AT THE WHIM OF NATURE “NATURAL DISASTERS”: CAUSES AND PREVENTION

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (9SE) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Akhand Pratibha ◽  
Akhand Archna
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Forest Fires ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Storm Surges ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Food Chains ◽  
Natural Phenomena ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Living Organisms

This paper seeks to determine the natural disasters, causes and effects on environment. Natural disasters are any catastrophic event that is caused by nature or the natural processes of the earth. It could be related to weather, geology, biology or even factors outside the Earth. Examples are earthquakes, hurricanes, droughts and flooding. Nature is bountiful full of resources used by the living organisms use for their survival and well-being. But nature has its own control systems. Resources used up are replenished excesses are checked, all naturally through the biogeochemical cycles, the food chains and webs and other natural phenomena. Thus equilibrium is maintained in nature. This is called ecological balance and has in recent times been disturbed by human activities.G8 Conclusions on Natural Disasters, 1975-2009 to address the increased threats of natural disasters and extreme weather phenomena caused by climate change, such as increased flooding, storm surges, droughts and forest fires, we will act to improve risk preparedness, prevention, monitoring and response times, particularly in developing countries.

scholarly journals Anomalous phenomena and geoecological situation in the Russian Far East

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-178
Author(s):  
Gennady P. Skrylnik ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Russian Far East ◽  
Far East ◽  
World Ocean ◽  
Nature Management ◽  
Natural Phenomena ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
The North ◽  
General Cooling ◽  
The Russian Far East

The development of the geosystems of the Russian Far East proceeds under the enormous but contradictory in nature double influence of the continent and the ocean and is carried out through the atmosphere. The goal is to characterize hazardous natural phenomena depending on the differentiated natural tension of the Far East (from maximum in the south to moderate in the north), often causing disasters and creating tense levels of the geoecological situation in general. The article presents comparative-geographical, geophysical, informational methods, as well as author’s development, etc. Further strengthening of the natural continentality of the entire region climate predetermines a directed increase in the geosystems development of the role of hazardous natural processes. If a sharp anthropogenic climate warming occurs, an accelerated rise in the level of the World Ocean is possible, which will cause increased abrasion, avalanches and landslides in the coastal zone. In case of a persisting general cooling, a general extremalization of the entire natural environment will occur. Crisis situations are, to a certain extent, predictable, which can help in optimizing rational nature management.

scholarly journals Assessment of observed and simulated low flow indices for a highly managed river basin

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 1831-1846 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hagen Koch ◽  
Stefan Liersch ◽  
José Roberto Gonçalves de Azevedo ◽  
Ana Lígia Chaves Silva ◽  
Fred Fokko Hattermann
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Natural Phenomena ◽  
Resources Management ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Low Flows

Abstract Droughts and resulting low flows are a threat for society, economy, and ecosystems. Droughts are natural phenomena, but anthropogenic water use can increase the pressure on water resources. To analyze the effects of changing land-use or water management and climate variability/change on water resources, models integrating the most important hydrological processes are needed. These models must account for natural processes and water resources management at different spatial and temporal scales, e.g., reservoir operation, water withdrawals. Low flow indices are analyzed for observed and simulated flows for the highly managed São Francisco river basin in Brazil, showing that during wet, normal, and moderately dry years, the existing reservoir system is able to augment low flows while during strong droughts the system reaches its limits. This effect is also represented in the simulations using the eco-hydrological model SWIM, which was adapted to account for region-specific characteristics of land-use and water management. While good to very good performance was achieved for calibration and validation for most gauges, for some gauges at tributaries only insufficient quantitative criteria are reached. The reasons for the deviation between observations and simulation results are discussed. Overall, the model is able to represent natural discharges and observed, managed discharges.

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