Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Introduction: The conceptual structure of nineteenth-century physics -- The context of physical theory: energy, force and matter -- Energy physics and mechanical explanation -- Matter and force: ether and field theories -- Matter theory: problems of molecular physics -- Epilogue: the decline of the mechanical world view -- Bibliographic essay -- Sources of Quotations -- Index.

By focusing on the conceptual issues faced by nineteenth century physicists, this book clarifies the status of field theory, the ether, and thermodynamics in the work of the period. A remarkably synthetic account of a difficult and fragmentary period in scientific development.