Ideas of Weisberg/Needham/Hendry, by Theme

[, fl. 2011, ]

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14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / i. Explanations by mechanism
Using mechanisms as explanatory schemes began in chemistry
Thick mechanisms map whole reactions, and thin mechanism chart the steps
26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / f. Ancient elements
Lavoisier's elements included four types of earth
27. Natural Reality / F. Chemistry / 1. Chemistry
Over 100,000,000 compounds have been discovered or synthesised
'H2O' just gives the element proportions, not the microstructure
Water molecules dissociate, and form large polymers, explaining its properties
It is unlikely that chemistry will ever be reduced to physics
Quantum theory won't tell us which structure a set of atoms will form
For temperature to be mean kinetic energy, a state of equilibrium is also required
27. Natural Reality / F. Chemistry / 2. Modern Elements
Isotopes (such as those of hydrogen) can vary in their rates of chemical reaction
27. Natural Reality / F. Chemistry / 3. Periodic Table
Mendeleev systematised the elements, and also gave an account of their nature