Re: "seeing" atoms

Steve Clark (ssclark@facstaff.wisc.edu)
Fri, 17 Nov 1995 18:08:58 -0600

>However, what is clear from any kind of "picture" like this, whether it is
>obtained using x-rays or scanning-tunneling microscopy (which is what Dave
>referred to), is that it represents a "map" of the electron charge distribution
>in the material being studied. The contrast in Glenn's black and white photo
>reflects differences in electron density throughout the sample (in this case it
>was a solid sample of FeS2). To someone who already accepts the modern view of
>the atom as a positive nucleus surrounded by a negative charge distribution,
>this is clearly evidence for the existence of atoms. To a determined
>anti-atomist (like Comte), I'm sure this would not be regarded as conclusive
>proof. A clever person could likely come up with an alternative explanation
>for these results that does not involve the present-day atomic model of matter.
>I certainly find the atomic view convincing, but these micrographs are only one
>PART of a very extensive chain of evidence. I recommend Jean Perrin's book
>(I think it is called The Atom, but I don't have a copy here) for an old but
>thorough survey of this evidence.
>
>Bottom line: I don't think any SINGLE piece of evidence is convincing...but
>taken together they are quite persuasive.
>
>Stan Zygmunt
>Department of Physics and Astronomy
>Valparaiso University

The atomistic theory held that atoms were the most elementary particle and
thus the basic component to which all physical things were ultimately
reducible. Then along came the atom splitters and we have all sorts of
wierd things. I wonder, if Phil Johnson' viewpoint would allow the theory
to be modified to account for the new knowledge of subatomic particles, or
whether he would argue that this is just another example of the conveniently
shifting ground of science. That is, when the data do not agree with the
theory, change, don't discard the theory. Evolution anyone?

cheers

Steve
__________________________________________________________________________
Steven S. Clark, Ph.D. Phone: (608) 263-9137
Associate Professor FAX: (608) 263-4226
Dept. of Human Oncology and email: ssclark@facstaff.wisc.edu
UW Comprehensive Cancer Ctr
University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI 53792

"Since Ptolemy was once mistaken over his basic tenants, would it not be
foolish to trust what moderns are saying now?" Montaigne, An Apology for
Raymond Sebond, 1580
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