To the dark side
In the third of our briefs on scientific mysteries we ask just what it is that makes up 95% of the cosmos
ANCIENT Greek philosophers thought the world was composed of four elements: earth, air, fire and water. To explain the heavens, though, many saw a need for something more—quintessence (quinta essentia in Latin), a fifth element. Quintessence was part of the universe, but lay out of humanity’s grasp.
This article appeared in the Schools brief section of the print edition under the headline “To the dark side”
Schools brief August 22nd 2015
From the August 22nd 2015 edition
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