What was the composition of ether according to the ancients?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of ether, particularly its composition as understood by ancient civilizations, with a focus on the ancient Greeks and medieval science. Participants explore various interpretations and definitions of "ether" and its properties, as well as the historical context of these ideas.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the definition of "ancients," suggesting it typically refers to the ancient Greeks or earlier civilizations.
  • One participant claims that ether was not composed of anything, describing it as having zero density and infinite rigidity according to 19th-century scientists.
  • Another participant likens aether to 'air' and suggests that it is difficult to describe without using the term aether itself.
  • There are references to the Michelson-Morley experiments, which some participants believe dispelled the notion of ether.
  • One participant humorously notes the association of ether with its pleasant smell, particularly in the context of its use in euthanizing insects.
  • Some participants express frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the original question and the relevance of certain references to more modern discussions of ether.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition of "ancients" or the specific composition of ether. Multiple competing views and interpretations remain, leading to confusion and disagreement about the topic.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the historical context of ether, the definitions used by participants, and the relevance of certain references to modern concepts of ether/aether.

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Isn't the ether made of...ether?

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“There is nothing in the world more helpless and irresponsible and depraved than a man in the depths of an ether binge,”
 
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jeane300 said:
What was the composition of ether according to the ancients?
Define "ancients". In the U.S. that generally means the ancient Greeks or earlier. Is that what you have in mind?
 
It wasn't composed of anything, ether just was. To 19th century scientists it had zero density and infinite rigidity, properties like that.
 
Aether was like 'air' in their eyes I suppose. Space? It's really hard to describe what it could be like without using the word aether!

The speed of light experiments Michelson Morley dispensed with the notion from memory.

Ether is a volatile liquid that we used euthanise a lot of insects at university.
It smells nice.
 
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From Elements of Natural Philosophy, by Elroy M. Avery, Ph.D., Sheldon and Company, 1878 and 1885:

Lumiferous Ether.jpg

Lumiferous Ether 2.jpg

I knew there was a reason I kept that book. Important knowledge such as this must not be lost.
 
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We still don't know what question we're answering since @jeane300 has not bothered to define what "ancients" she's talking about. To me 1878 is NOT "ancient", it's just slightly elderly. Like me, only more so.
 
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jrmichler said:
I knew there was a reason I kept that book. Important knowledge such as this must not be lost.
Fantastic connections , thanku very much.
 
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phinds said:
Define "ancients". In the U.S. that generally means the ancient Greeks or earlier. Is that what you have in mind?
Yes, I am talking about ancient Greeks and medieval science,
 
  • #11
pinball1970 said:
Aether was like 'air' in their eyes I suppose. Space? It's really hard to describe what it could be like without using the word aether!

The speed of light experiments Michelson Morley dispensed with the notion from memory.

Ether is a volatile liquid that we used euthanise a lot of insects at university.
It smells nice.
It's funny because when we talk about 'ether' the reference is always the smell heheheh
 
  • #12
phinds said:
We still don't know what question we're answering since @jeane300 has not bothered to define what "ancients" she's talking about. To me 1878 is NOT "ancient", it's just slightly elderly. Like me, only more so.
I put, Greeks, and medieval science
 
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jeane300 said:
https://cds.cern.ch/record/539311/files/ext-2002-016.pdf

What was the composition of ether according to the ancients?

jeane300 said:
I put, Greeks, and medieval science

No, your OP had a link to more modern "ether/aether" topics, not ancient Greece.

This thread is a mess, and is now closed. Please PM me again to see if we can salvage a new thread start for whatever the heck you are really asking. Lordy.
 
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