The concepts and theories of modern physics / By J.B. Stallo.

  • John Stallo
Date:
1900
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The concepts and theories of modern physics / By J.B. Stallo. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    116/376 (page 66)
    THE PROPOSITION THAT ALL POTENTIAL ENERGY IS IN REALITY KINETIC. EVOLUTION OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE CONSERVATION OF ENERGY. According to the iHechaiiical theory, motion, like mass, is indestructible and unchangeable; it can not vanish and reappear. Any change in its rate results from its distribution among a greater or less number of units of mass. And, motion and mass being mutually inconvertible, nothing but motion can be the cause of motion. There is, therefore, no potential energy ; all energy is in reality kinetic. The close logical connection of this proposition with that discussed in the last chapter is obvious, and has not escaped the notice of leading physicists. Stewart and Tait, after giving an account of Le Sage’s hypothe- sis, which, in their opinion, contains the nidiments, at least, of the only tenable physical theory of gravita- tion, proceed to say: “ If Le Sage’s theory, or any- thing of a similar nature, be at all a representation of the mechanism of gravitation, a fatal blow is dealt to the notion of the tranquil form of power we have called potential energy. Not that there will cease to be a profound difference in kind between it and ordi- nary kinetic energy, hut that both will he henceforth to he regarded as kinetic.'’ * This declaration has re- * The Unseen Universe, § 142.