![]() Only with a definite and finite lower limit to splitting do we keep a permament foundation of ultimate particles with which to build up everything we see. ![]() If matter can be split infinitely, there is nothing to stop it from going on forever and destroying all matter. The idea of reversibility means that there must be a lower limit to the splitting of matter. ![]() The process of disintegration & reintegration is reversible. However, matter can be reintegrated.Įven though matter can be destroyed by repeated splitting, new things can be made by joining simpler pieces of matter together. Our word atom therefore comes from atomos, a Greek word meaning uncuttable.ĭemocritus reasoned that if matter could be infinitely divided, it was also subject to complete disintegration from which it can never be put back together. In Greek, the prefix " a" means "not" and the word " tomos" means cut. Atoms were impenetrably hard, meaning they could not be divided. ![]() In other words, there is a lower limit to the division of matter beyond which we cannot go. These atoms CANNOT be further split into smaller portions.ĭemocritus quotes Leucippus: "The atomists hold that splitting stops when it reaches indivisible particles and does not go on infinitely." Point #1 - All matter is composed of atoms, which are bits of matter too small to be seen. On the left is Aristotle and to the right is Epicurus. This poem, lost for over 1000 years, was rediscovered in 1417. Much of what we know about their ideas comes to us in a poem titled " De Rerum Natura" (On the Nature of Things) written by Lucretius (c95-55 BC). Aristotle (384-322 BC) quotes both of them extensively in arguing against their ideas. The work of Leucippus and Democritus was further developed by Epicurus (341-270 BC) of Samos, who made the ideas more generally known. The earliest known Greek philosopher was Thales of Miletus. It is about 250 miles as the crow flies between the Abdera and Miletus.Īt this time Greek philosophy was about 150 years old, having emerged early in the sixth century BC, centered in the city of Miletus on the Ionian coast in Asia Minor (now Turkey). This map shows the important towns of Greece, Turkey and Asia Minor around the time the atom concept was developed. Want some advice? Don't argue with your teacher based on what some guy on the Internet said. So, be prepared for your teacher to want Democritus to be the correct answer. In fact, Democritus wrote his version in a (now lost) book called "Little World System." More than likely, he titled it so out of deference to his teacher. One point: teachers often think that Democritus developed the atom concept. He also was very widely traveled, having reportedly visited Athens. He was a big man (relatively speaking) and enjoyed life tremendously. About the only sources we have for their atomistic ideas are found in quotations of other writers.ĭemocritus is known as the "Laughing Philosopher" because of his joyous spirit. Almost all of the original writings of Leucippus and Democritus are lost. There are five major points to their atomic idea. He and his pupil, Democritus (c460-371 BC) of Abdera, refined and extended it in future years. Atomistic theory is prominent in some of the Hindu teachings in India.Īround 440 BC, Leucippus of Miletus, in his lost book "The Greater World System," originated the atom concept. The Greek Concept of Atomos: The Indivisible Atom
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