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Aristotle’s contribution to the development of the atom

Aristotle disbelieved the ancient Greek theory of atoms being of different sizes, regular geometric shapes and being in constant motion. He didn't think atoms could be in constant motion in a void. He developed the theory that all matter consisted of four elements: Earth, Air, Water and Fire. There were also four qualities: dryness, hotness, coldness, and moistness. Fire was dry and hot, water was moist and cold, Earth was cold and dry, and Air was moist and hot. Each of these elements move naturally in a line to their "proper place," where it will be at rest. Aristotle's theory also had two forces: conflict and harmony. Conflict was thought to cause bad things, and harmony good things. Aristotle also believed that the heavens were made of a fifth, superior element named aither. Aristotle's theory was used for almost 2000 years, until after the scientific revolution, when other theories prevailed.
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Posted by: Jack Drewes

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