英文摘要: |
Newton’s rings experiment set up a splendid model for experimental sciences by its
unprecedented skill and precision. However, the theory of Fits, which Newton founded on and for this experiment,
suffered criticism for a long time. Such a weird contrast has never been fully accounted for. This article has
comprehensively analyzed the series of experiments on Newton’s rings, as well as Newton’s observation,
description and explanation on its phenomena. By doing this, I revealed the key role of the concept of corpuscular
theory of light played in the process. That is, in the very beginning when Newton tried to observe and determine
the nature of the image of Newton’s rings, he slipped into a “corpuscular trap” unconsciously, and this problem
diffused with a series of logic inferences, and finally led to the problematic theory of “Fits”. |