vortex theory

== English == === Noun === vortex theory (uncountable) (physics, historical) An obsolete scientific theory, chiefly developed by René Descartes, which attempted to explain celestial mechanics and the phenomena now described as gravitation by positing a system of fluid vortices governed by centrifugal forces and extending outwards from the sun. The vortex theory of the atom: a theory by Lord Kelvin, to explain why there are relatively few types of atom, but a huge number of each type. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see vortex,‎ theory. === Further reading === Mechanical explanations of gravitation § Vortex theory on Wikipedia.Wikipedia