Perrin’s Test Bank: Brownian Motion and Molecular Reality (Oxford Studies in Philosophy of Science)

A Critical Examination of Perrin’s Experiments

Between 1905 and 1913, French physicist Jean Perrin’s experiments on Brownian motion seemed to settle the debate on the existence of molecules, validating the atomic theory of matter.

Theoretical Foundations

Perrin’s measurements were exemplars of theory-mediated measurement, a practice of inferring inaccessible quantities from accessible proxies via theoretical relationships.

Historical Context

The concerted efforts of Perrin, Rutherford, Millikan, Planck, and colleagues led to the central role of theory-mediated measurement in microphysical research.

Reevaluating the Evidence

Seth and Smith’s study revises the prevailing account, providing a more accurate understanding of Perrin’s contributions and the significance of his experiments.