Re: Proof for atoms?

[Tom Metcalf <tmetcalf@MAILAPS.ORG>]

On the question of atomic theory, you might be interested in the book
"Les Atomes" by Jean Perrin, first published in 1913 and translated into
English (as simply "Atoms") by D. L. Hammick shortly thereafter. The
most recent English reprinting was in 1990. It covers several of the key
arguments and evidence for the existence of atoms, and is written with
the 19th century counter-arguments in mind. Unfortunately I can't find
my copy of it, so I can't provide any more detail right now.

On Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at 06:51  AM, Savinainen Antti wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I  had an interesting discussion about atoms with a doubter who asked=
>  if there
> is any proof for existence of atoms. The argument was that of course =
> physicists
> find atoms because the idea of atoms is their very starting point! Th=
> e doubter
> asked experiments which could provide convincing evidence for the exi=
> stence of
> atoms without having initially decided that idea of atoms is used to =
> analyze
> the data.
>
> What would you answer?
...