The vortex concept in the history of science

Topics include the mythological era, art and vortices, the age of classical mechanics, and the impact on modern sciences. Since prehistoric times the vortex concept has been used an an explanatory principle to describe and interpret fundamental natural phenomena. In the study of the macrocosmos, the analysis of vortices was applied to solve cosmological problems, in particular to explain the evolution of the universe and the motions of celestial bodies. In studying the microcosmos, vortical behavior served as a mechanical model to support the idea of the atomic structure of matter. Both of these gigantic efforts throughout the greater part of human history fell short and ended at the beginning of this century with the rise of modern physics. The development and application of a vortex theory within the realm of classical mechanics have led the vortex concept to its biggest triumph and to a great technological success.