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Citation

Alternate Title(s): Principia philosophiae
Author: René Déscartes
Publication Location: Amsterdam
Year: 1644

Item Location

Exhibit: The New Physics
Section: The Universe

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Summary

In Descartes’ cosmology, each star lies at the center of a “vortex,” or gigantic pool of circulating fluid. Stars and vortices are mortal, passing into and out of existence. As a star like the Sun becomes encrusted with sunspots, it changes into a comet and wanders from vortex to vortex, visiting other solar systems. Then, with further encrustations, it develops into an Earth-like planet, complete with mountains, oceans and minerals. As a leading proponent of the mechanical philosophy, Descartes sought to explain all of nature, including gravity and magnetism, by reference only to matter and motion, rather than appealing to hidden forces.

Related Items

Theme(s): Physics, Astronomy, Philosophy
Chronological Period: 17th century
Geographical Region(s): France, Europe, Netherlands
Resource Type: Book