« La théorie analytique de la chaleur » : Notes on Fourier et Lamé

Abstract Since the second half of 18th century, new instruments produced many data and improvements (not only in mechanics) of the scientific knowledge and its applications. Thanks to Euler and Lagrange, the differential equations started to become an important instrument to solve very complex problems, beforehand considered as unsolvable. The Traité de mécanique céleste (1805) by Laplace represents the climax of such an approach and soon becomes part of an important process of exaltation of ..

The problem of motion of bodies

This book focuses on the way in which the problem of the motion of bodies has been viewed and approached over the course of human history. It is not another traditional history of mechanics but rather aims to enable the reader to fully understand the deeper ideas that inspired men, first in attempting to understand the mechanisms of motion and then in formulating theories with predictive as well as explanatory value. Given this objective, certain parts of the history of mechanics are neglected, such as fluid mechanics, statics and astronomy after Newton. On the other hand, due attention is paid, for example, to the history of thermodynamics, which has its own particular point of view on motion. Inspired in part by historical epistemology, the book examines the various views and theories of a given historical period (synchronic analysis) and then makes comparisons between different periods (diachronic analysis). In each period, one or two of the most meaningful contributions are selected for particular attention, instead of presenting a long inventory of scientific achievements

An historical andepistemological point of view of mathematical physics

The objective of this paper is to use some historical instances to explain in detail the meaning of mathematical physics theories in selected historical periods. The paper presents, in order, the first instances of applications of mathematics to physics, the first appearance of something resembling modern mathematical physics and a particular kind of mathematical physics theory, called rational mechanics. At the end of the paper, epistemological considerations clarify the difference between physical, mathematical, and mathematical physics theories.</jats:p

Over and undershot waterwheels in the 18th century. Science and technology controversy

The present paper concerns the development of theory and experiments on water wheels in the 18th cen- tury. At that time, as a result of a growing demand for energy, a better understanding of the functioning of watermills, even at the theoretical level, was required in order to improve their efficiency. A hint about the evolution of the theory of wheels in the 19th century is reported also. We have tried to clarify the role played by some protagonists as Antoine Parent, Jean-Charles de Borda and John Smeaton. Their role has not been fully recognised even in contemporary studies. Then some considerations are developed on the relationships between science and technology on this particular subject, concluding that it was a happy and well-balanced marriage

Historical roots of the rule of composition of forces

This paper presents the first formulations and proofs of the rule of composition of forces. In particular, those by Leonardo da Vinci and Simon Stevin, both centered on the static conception of forces that are represented by means of ropes taut by weights