“In thermodynamics as well as in other branches of molecular physics , the laws of phenomena have to a certain extent been anticipated, and their investigation facilitated, by the aid of hypotheses as to occult molecular structures and motions with which such phenomena are assumed to be connected. The hypothesis which has answered that purpose in the case of thermodynamics, is called that of "molecular vortices," or otherwise, the "centrifugal theory of elasticity.” WellsLawPurposeCertainCasesTheoryStructureConnectedAidsPhysicsBranchesPhenomenonInvestigationHypothesisOccultThermodynamicsElasticity Book:A Manual of the Steam Engine and Other Prime Movers by William John Macquorn Rankine Source: A Manual of the Steam Engine and Other Prime Movers by William John Macquorn Rankine
“The hypothesis of molecular vortices is defined to be that which assumes - that each atom of matter consists of a nucleus or central point enveloped by an elastic atmosphere, which is retained in its position by attractive forces, and that the elasticity due to heat arises from the centrifugal force of those atmospheres revolving or oscillating about their nuclei or central points.According to this hypothesis, quantity of heat is the vis viva of the molecular revolutions or oscillations.” MatterForcePositionRevolutionAssumingDuesAriseDefinedAtmosphereAttractiveHeatAtomsQuantityHypothesisNucleusRevolvingElasticityOscillationViva Book:Miscellaneous Scientific Papers Source: Miscellaneous Scientific Papers
