Atomic Theory

Titus Lucretius Carus was a Roman poet and philosopher who lived from 99 BC to 55 BC.  He wrote an epic poem on the tenets and philosophy of Epicureanism called On the Nature of Things (De Rerum Natura).  Interestingly enough, his Atomic Theory was impressively on point for someone who lived over 2000 years ago!  Read through the translation from the link below:

Atomic Theory

1. What similarities do you see in his theory compared to what we know about atoms today?  What differences can you find?


Lucretius also had a "void" theory, which he used to explain some points about his atomic theory that he wasn't initially able to explain.  Read this translation from the link below:

Void Theory

2. What do you think about these ideas?