




MIDDLE AGES
Middle Ages it is the time of over a thousand years between the
beginning of the 5th century and the 16th century. It is lately very popular to glorify
Middle Ages. Many historians and other scientists are trying to capture and show the good
heritage of that time. Although maybe there were many achievements in the field of art and
culture the special characteristic of this period is quite a big restrain in development
of other scientific studies (also in study of atom). Not being enthusiastic about Middle
Ages we have kept our distance. We have tried to find the scientific thoughts and achievements
of this period, but the only conclusion we made is that after many successes of Greek
philosophers, there is a lack of progress in the study of atom in the Middle Ages.
What then has caused this situation? First of all, one must remember that the special feature
of the Middle Ages' culture was its uniformity). The Church's influence in Europe was
great. This had some good and bad sides The good thing was that the intellectual power of
artists and scientists as well new technologies could have been easily transferred between
countries. Another was,that the Church has taken the financial responsibility for science.
But the bad side lays in the fact that every culture benefits from some and reject some and
if there is only one culture some things cannot develop. And anyway the Church was interested
in financing and supporting the development of theology not physics.
Only few courageous thinkers took up a challenge of researching
microstructure. Most philosophers recognised Aristotle as the
greatest authority including his opinion on matter's constitution.
Many achievements of ancient culture were transferred into Arab countries,
and that was the case with atomistic philosophy, too.
At the same time, but in Europe, school of Chartres began to develop. It was
the institution created to serve non theoretical science. Works of ancient scientists were studied
there, with a special emphasis on Democritus's study of atom.
Middle Ages didn't make any important changes in the understanding of world's
microstructure. Works of ancient atomists were rarely read. Most thinkers in Europe as well as in
Islamic countries considered theological problems. Enlightened people, like Wilhelm
from Conches, were even called heretics. But before long, came the change. The time of great
physicists has come. They were the ones to change the view of world and to begin the contemporary
science.
ANCIENT TIMES |
MIDDLE AGES |
THE 16th AND 17th CENTURIES |
THE 18th CENTURY
THE 19th CENTURY |
THE CATHODE RAYS |
SUMMARY


