Robert Mayer and the Conservation of Energy

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The book delves into Robert Mayer's pivotal role in formulating the conservation of energy, a cornerstone of nineteenth-century physics. His unique insights began during a voyage as a ship's doctor, where he observed unexpected properties of blood that sparked his exploration of the relationship between heat and motion. Kenneth Caneva offers an in-depth historical context, highlighting Mayer's intellectual journey and his rejection of prevailing philosophical influences, ultimately leading to his groundbreaking conclusions about the nature of force and energy.