Danilo Capecchi Knihy

Focusing on the evolution of ideas surrounding the motion of bodies, this book offers a unique perspective on the history of mechanics, prioritizing understanding over a traditional chronological account. It emphasizes significant contributions in thermodynamics while intentionally overlooking aspects like fluid mechanics and post-Newtonian astronomy. By employing both synchronic and diachronic analyses, the work highlights key theories and their historical contexts, allowing readers to grasp the deeper intellectual currents that shaped scientific thought on motion.

The history of classical mechanics is explored, tracing the evolution of study methods from ancient Greece in the fourth century BC to the late nineteenth century in Europe. The book evaluates the effectiveness of forces by examining the virtual motion of their points of application, providing insights into the development of scientific thought and methodologies in mechanics over centuries.

Focusing on the 18th century, this book explores the significant transformation from natural philosophy to modern scientific disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Often deemed unremarkable in the history of science, this era is revealed as a time of substantial innovation and intellectual growth during the Enlightenment. The narrative highlights the transition from the groundbreaking achievements of the 17th century to the rapid advancements of the 19th century, showcasing the 18th century's critical role in shaping modern science.

Focusing on the transformation of nature study in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, this work highlights the emergence of mechanistic philosophy and experimental methods. It argues that modern European science evolved from Hellenistic mathematics through the continuous transmission of its applied components—mechanics, optics, harmonics, and astronomy—during the Middle Ages. The emphasis on mathematicians over natural philosophers and an exploration of Galilean epistemology, including the influence of Galileo's followers and critics, make this book valuable for historians and scientists alike.