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Single Idea 20645

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 2. Thermodynamics / b. Heat]

Full Idea

We consider heat not as a substance but as a state of vibration.

Gist of Idea

Heat is a state of vibration, not a substance

Source

James Joule (works [1870]), quoted by Peter Watson - Convergence 01 'Nature's'

A Reaction

The puzzle is that giving accurate accounts of vibrations, heat and movement require a quantitative substance, energy. But all we have here is movement, and the denial of a substance. Energy is 'nature's currency system'.

Book Reference

Watson,Peter: 'Convergence' [Simon and Schuster 2016], p.24