Comenius and the Kinetic Theory of Heat

The study provides an analysis of Comenius’ concept of both heat and cold, as developed especially in his writings Physicae ad lumen divinu reformandae synopsis and Disquisitiones de caloris et frigoris natura. Because of its programmatically mosaic approach, Comenius’ physics is compared directly to that of his later admirer G. W. Leibniz, and, via Leibniz’ concept, sets it into the context of later thermodynamics. Comenius’ methodology is compared not only to that of Leibniz himself, but also to that of Newton and other commonly accepted proponents of exact science. Last but not least, Comenius’ “kinetic theory of cold” is placed in opposition to the ‘privative’ concept of Aristotle, against which, however, Comenius intentionally set himself apart with his mosaic approach. Despite its several shortcomings, Comenius’ peculiar attempt to merge physics with theology is evaluated as being scientifically useful.

Keywords: Jan Amos Comenius; Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz; Mosaic Physics; Thermodynamics