A new model of the atom [1927c]

Hans Reichenbach

pp. 219-225

in: Maria Reichenbach, Robert S. Cohen (eds), Selected writings 1909–1953, Berlin, Springer, 1978

Abstract

The historical springs of the idea of the atom lie as far back as classical antiquity. The Greek philosophers Democritus and Epicurus were the originators of atomic theory; from them, an unbroken line can be traced through the Middle Ages right down to our own day. Over this long span of time, the theory has not only taken on a basically different appearance, but has also become susceptible to far more precise confirmation than could be carried out by the speculative philosophers of the past. Nonetheless, the modern theory must be viewed as an historical continuation of past theories. For the basic idea giving rise to the conception of the atom was the same in ancient times as it is today.