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Full Idea
The name 'energy', first used by Thomas Young, has come into use after it was raised from a mere formula of mathematical dynamics to become a principle pervading all nature, and guiding every field of science.
Gist of Idea
Energy has progressed from a mere formula, to a principle pervading all nature
Source
Lord Kelvin (Wm Thomson) (works [1881]), quoted by Peter Watson - Convergence 01 'Principle'
Book Ref
Watson,Peter: 'Convergence' [Simon and Schuster 2016], p.28
A Reaction
[bit compressed] As far as I can see energy behaves exactly as if it were a substance, like water conserved in rainfalls, and yet it isn't a stuff, and seems to result from a process of abstraction. I take it to be one of the biggest mysteries in physics.
| 20646 | Helmholtz used 'energy' to mathematically link heat, light, electricity and magnetism [Helmholtz, by Watson] |
| 20644 | Energy has progressed from a mere formula, to a principle pervading all nature [Kelvin] |
| 17540 | Energy is that which moves, and is the substance from which everything is made [Heisenberg] |
| 17541 | Energy is an unchanging substance, having many forms, and causing all change [Heisenberg] |
| 12674 | Energy is the key multi-valued property, vital to scientific realism [Ellis] |
| 15265 | 'Energy' is a quasi-substance invented as the bearer of change during interactions [Harré/Madden] |
| 15280 | 'Kinetic energy' is used to explain the effects of moving things when they are stopped [Harré/Madden] |
| 24162 | Planck introduced the idea that energy can be quantized [Baggott] |
| 21183 | Thermodynamics introduced work and entropy, to understand steam engine efficiency [Hesketh] |