Quote:
Originally Posted by theikon
I've been doing some reading recently about ideas that have changed over time, and it is really interesting!
One of the things that I found really neat is how the Greek's used to believe in the theory of spontaneous generation of insects. This idea was widely accepted for centuries. Insects and other lower organisms were thought to be spontaneously generated by rotting mean and other non-living matter. The view was logical in context of the theory: no satisfactory theories existed about where life came from, apart from calling it a divine miracle. Insect eggs are small, and could not be seen in the rotting meats. Insects seemed small and uncomplicated, and it was conceivable that such a simple organism could be spontaneously generated.
Ultimately, through experiments by Redi and then Pasteur which showed that meat does not spontaneously generate life, but rather insects lay eggs upon it. With convincing evidence opposing the theory it lost its general acceptance.
Can you guys think of any other 'evolutions in knowledge?'
Happy New Year!
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I believe that the Greeks also figured that light emanated from the eyes, and that was how we illuminated objects and were able to see them. They got as far as figuring that light travelled infinitely fast, since you could see distant stars as soon as you opened your eyes at night, and that light travelled in straight lines.
Not bad considering..