Stephen G. Brush Libros

The book explores the evolution of theories regarding the solar system's origins throughout the twentieth century, highlighting significant scientific advancements and debates. It delves into the contributions of various researchers and the impact of their findings on our understanding of cosmic formation. Through a comprehensive analysis, it sheds light on the complexities and nuances of astronomical theories, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the history of science and planetary studies.

The book explores Laplace's Nebular Hypothesis, a prominent 19th-century theory explaining the Solar System's origin through a cooling mass of gas. It examines how this hypothesis influenced the acceptance of evolutionary theory in biology. Additionally, it delves into geological theories regarding the Earth's interior, discussing the transition from molten to solid states and the dynamics of its electromagnetic processes. Professor Brush provides a comprehensive overview of scientific thought regarding the forces that shape our planet and pose natural threats.

The book explores the historical efforts to determine Earth's age throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It delves into the scientific methods and debates that shaped our understanding of geological time, highlighting key figures and their contributions. By examining the evolution of geological theories and the impact of discoveries, it provides insight into how perceptions of Earth's history transformed over time. This narrative reflects the intersection of science, philosophy, and societal beliefs during a pivotal era in natural history.

Focusing on the evolution of astronomical theories, the book delves into the transition from the Chamberlin-Moulton encounter theory to the revitalized nebular hypothesis in the 1930s, aided by nuclear physics advancements. It explores the "giant-impact" theory regarding the Moon's formation, proposing a collision between Earth and a Mars-sized body, which contributed material to the Moon. Professor Brush highlights the significance of Apollo space program findings, particularly lunar sample analysis, culminating in the acceptance of this theory in the 1980s.

Exploring the evolution of the Nebular Hypothesis, this book delves into the nineteenth-century scientific discourse surrounding the formation of the solar system. It highlights the contributions of key figures and the impact of this theory on contemporary understanding of celestial mechanics. Through historical analysis, the narrative reveals how Laplace's ideas shaped astronomical thought and influenced future research in astrophysics.

The book delves into the historical debate surrounding the Earth's age, which is largely accepted as 4.55 billion years. It traces the evolution of theories on stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis, highlighting the radiometric methods used for age estimation. The narrative also examines the changing status of planetary sciences, which shifted from prominence to a perceived inferiority compared to atomic physics and cosmology. Professor Brush illustrates how geology exemplifies a scientific approach, offering a contrast to humanistic disciplines like history.

Inhaltsverzeichnis1 Einleitung.- Die horizontale und die vertikale Geschichtsbetrachtung — Strömungen in Wissenschaft und Kultur — Begriffe der Wärmetheorie.- 2 Romantik und Realismus.- Wurzeln der „Romantik“ — Die romantische Wissenschaft — Das Auftreten des Realismus — Die Wissenschaft als Teil der Kultur.- 3 Das Alter der Erde.- Der zweite Hauptsatz der Thermodynamik — Fourier und Kelvin über die Abkühlung der Erde — Die Evolutionisten — Die Radioaktivität.- 4 Die Planetenwissenschaften: zuerst Rebell, dann Stiefkind der Wissenschaft.- Die gegenwärtige Stellung der Planetenwissenschaften — Die Wechselwirkungen zwischen Planetenwissenschaften und „reiner“ Wissenschaft im neunzehnten Jahrhundert — Isolierung und Verfall der Planetenwissenschaften.- 5 Der Wärmetod.- Spencers Philosophie der Evolution und Dissolution — Die Kritik am Irreversibilitätsprinzip und an Boltzmanns H-Theorem — Die ewige Wiederkehr und der Wiederkehreinwand.- 6 Realismus und Neoromantik.- Der Gebetstest — Die Reaktion gegen den Materialismus — Neoromantik und Positivismus — Der Zufall — Stallo über die kinetische Theorie.- 7 Degeneration.- Morel, Zola, Baudelaire, Nordau — Die Eugenik — Die Prohibition — Der Niedergang der Degenerationstheorien.- 8 Ausklang.- Henry Adams und die Thermodynamik der Geschichte — Spenglers Untergang — Neorealismus und Quantifizierung.- Bibliographie.- Namenverzeichnis.- Sachwortverzeichnis.