From Atomos to Atom: The History of the Concept Atom

by Andreas Gerardus Maria van Melsen

Widely acclaimed as an outstanding contribution to both science and philosophy, this classic profiles the atom's progress from Grecian philosophy to its physical conception in the 17th century and its modern applications to quantum theory. "Fascinating . . . clear and authoritative." — Philosophy . 1960 edition.

Genres: History Of Science, History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1952

Reviews

[Ave Mets · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting overview. At places too "lazy" - names are named but their accounts are not given, also more references and philosophical critique would be in place, for instance about "Aristotle's chemistry" (for instance what Aristotle may have meant by 'mixture' given that his "elements" were earth, water, air and fire).

[Madelynp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neither a great summary of historical thought about the atom, nor a terrible one. I got a lot more out of the first few chapters than I did the rest of the book, but overall, I don't feel that my time was wasted reading this book.

[Greyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Case study of the philosophical and scientific development of the 'atom' concept, as a stand in for the broader development of empirical natural science.

Good stuff, and works with Kuhn's "Structure" quite well.