Leucippus: (5th century BC)
Came up with the idea that everything in the world was made up of tiny particles.
It was due to his revolt against the Eleatic school that led him to develop the theory of atomism.
According to his atomic model, the world was composed of an infinite number of solid, indestructible, indivisible atoms that interacted with each another. And that the only thing that separates the atoms would be basically empty space itself.
Democritus:
Was Leucippus’ student! It was 400 BC (Meaning Before Christ came) When the Greek Philosopher Democritus used the term “atomos” meaning indivisible. At that time, he thought they could not be separated particles from the atom (which is not true) However, he was the first man recorded to refer in writings to the atom!
J.J. Thomson:
The man to discover the electron, was J.J Thomson nearly 1200 years later! He was studying the properties of cathode ray and in 1897 discovered the electron. It is interesting that this man was a professing Christian, and was recorded saying in his inaugural presidential address to the British Association:
“As we conquer peak after peak we see in front of us regions full of interest and beauty, but we do not see our goal, we do not see the horizon; in the distance tower still higher peaks, which will yield to those who ascend them still wider prospects, and deepen the feeling, the truth of which is emphasized by every advance in science, that ‘Great are the Works of the Lord’.”
