The rise and decline of the caloric theory

Authors

  • Luciano Carvalhais Gomes Universidade Estadual de Maringá

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-7941.2012v29n3p1030

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to make a historical analysis of the appearance of the caloric theory, its explanatory power and its decline. Unlike many texts disclose, we will show that Joseph Black was not the first to investigate the heat as a substance and that the experiments of Benjamin Thompson (Count Rumford) were not crucial to the abandonment of this theory. The explanatory power of the caloric will be shown by analysis of extracts from the book of dissemination of Science authored by Janet Marcet. We believe that the knowledge of these facts will help to better understand the origin of many terms that we use in the study of the calorimetry, besides alerting teachers and students of the historical claims errors found in textbooks.

Author Biography

Luciano Carvalhais Gomes, Universidade Estadual de Maringá

Published

2012-12-13

How to Cite

Gomes, L. C. (2012). The rise and decline of the caloric theory. Caderno Brasileiro De Ensino De Física, 29(3), 1030–1073. https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-7941.2012v29n3p1030

Issue

Section

História e Filosofia da Ciência