How do you perform an experiment on a substance that is essentially unobservable — it is formless, has no taste or smell, and is invisible? An experiment for such a substance may not be so tough for a modern scientist to envision, but it’s damn near impossible for a 17th century aspiring chemist relying on a 2000 year old theory of matter. Remember, at this point, air is considered an element — i.e., a substance that cannot be broken down any further, or in other words, something that is considered to be in its purest state. Determining the composition of air seems like dead-end research project perfect for forcing onto a poor, unsuspecting 18th century grad student.
Considering the Human Element of Professional Sports
Professional athletes are human beings, too, and the uncertainty of their careers can have a real impact on their personal lives. A fact that…