[1.] And first I suppose that there is diffused through…
![“[1.] And first I suppose that there is diffused through all places an aethereal substance capable of contraction & dilatation, strongly elastick, & in a word, much like air in all respects, but far more subtile. 2. I suppose this aether pervades all gross bodies, but yet so as to stand rarer in…” quote by Isaac Newton](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/11c/isaac-newton-1226_air_1-and-first-i-suppose-that-there-is-diff_2720566.jpg)
“[1.] And first I suppose that there is diffused through all places an aethereal substance capable of contraction & dilatation, strongly elastick, & in a word, much like air in all respects, but far more subtile. 2. I suppose this aether pervades all gross bodies, but yet so as to stand rarer in their pores then in free spaces, & so much ye rarer as their pores are less ... 3. I suppose ye rarer aether within bodies & ye denser without them, not to be terminated in a mathematical superficies, but to grow gradually into one another.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Newton speculates about a subtle, elastic substance filling space, varying in density between pores and free space, suggesting a complex, pervasive medium.
In simple terms: He proposes a fine, elastic medium filling space, denser in some areas.
Key Takeaway
Consider the role of unseen forces in physics.
Themes
science
philosophy
metaphysics
Mood
curious
skeptical
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- theoretical physics
- philosophical inquiry
- educational curricula
- science communication
Key Concepts
aether theory
continuum mechanics
historical physics
Questions to Reflect On
- What can we learn from outdated scientific theories?
- How do we test unseen phenomena?
A Different Perspective
Aether was later disproven, showing limits of speculative models.