Definition:Aether

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Definition

Quintessence

Quintessence was the fifth element postulated by the Pythagoreans, and was supposed to be the material out of which the heavens were made.

It was postulated in order to explain how the heavenly bodies were in constant motion, and never came to rest like everything else that could be seen in the universe.


Quintessence was originally known as aether.


Physical Concept

An aether was a hypothetical weightless fluid which was supposed to pervade the whole of the physical universe, including all matter.

Its purpose was to attempt to explain the phenomenon of action at a distance.


Also known as

Aether, whether referred to as a philosophical or physical concept, was often seen at one point (particularly when used by trashy SF pulps as space) spelt ether.

However, this is so easily confused with the gas ether that this usage is strongly not recommended.


Linguistic Note on Aether

The word aether was an ancient Greek word meaning blazing.

This derived from their constant emission of light.