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442 BCE
ATOMIST THEORY (CONT.)
Democritus knew that if you took a stone and cut it in half, each half had the same properties as the original stone. He reasoned that if you continued to cut the stone into smaller pieces, at some point you would reach a piece so tiny that it could no longer be divided. All that would be left is the atomos.
Democritus theorized that atoms were specific to the material that they made up, meaning that the atoms of a stone were unique and different from the atoms of other materials. -
442 BCE
ATOMIST THEORY
Democritus’s model states that matter consists of invisible particles called atoms and a void (empty space). Also stating that atoms are indestructible and unchangeable. They are homologous, meaning they have no internal structure. His atomic model was solid, and stated all atoms differ in size, shape, mass, position and arrangement, with a void existing between them. -
400 BCE
PERSPECTIVE THEORY OF VISION
Democritus’ theory of vision combines the perception of images streaming from objects and air imprints, which gives the resources to account for the perception of the relative size and distance of objects, not just their characteristics. The rest of the transformation of the image is accomplished in space.
Aristotle believes that vision is caused by water due to the aqueous humor of the eye. The image is not produced because the substance is water, but because water is transparent. -
400 BCE
PERSPECTIVE THEORY OF VISION (CONT.)
Dedication to his own work, it has been said that he even inflicted blindness upon himself to understand the independent operations of the mind. It was thought that the keenness of the mind was impeded by the eyesight. -
370 BCE
DEATH
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CITATIONS
Lawson, R. (2004). Science in the Ancient World: An Encyclopedia. [online] American Public University System Library. Available at: https://search-credoreference-com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/content/entry/abcsciaw/democritus/0 [Accessed 12 Aug. 2018]. Rudolph, Kelli. "Democritus' Perspectival Theory Of Vision." The Journal of Hellenic Studies 131 (2011): 67-83. Web. Berryman, Sylvia. "Democritus." Plato.stanford.edu. N.p., 2018. Web. 12 Aug. 2018.