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An exposition of the general or abstract principles of any science; as, the theory of music.

The theory which maintains that the primitive elements of language are reflex expressions induced by sensory impressions; that is, as stated by Max Müller, the creative faculty gave to each general conception as it thrilled for the first time through the brain a phonetic expression; -- jocosely so called from the analo…

The theory which likens the course of certain diseases (esp. infectious diseases) to the process of fermentation, and attributes them to the organized ferments in the body. It does not differ materially from the accepted germ theory (which see).

The theory that living organisms can be produced only by the development of living germs. Cf. Biogenesis, Abiogenesis.

A theory proposed by Ehrlich as a chemical explanation of immunity phenomena. In brief outline it is as follows: Animal cells and bacteria are complex aggregations of molecules, which are themselves complex. Complex molecules react with one another through certain of their side chains, but only when these side chains h…

The theory, advanced by Thomson (Lord Kelvin) on the basis of investigation by Helmholtz, that the atoms are vortically moving ring-shaped masses (or masses of other forms having a similar internal motion) of a homogeneous, incompressible, frictionless fluid. Various properties of such atoms (vortex atoms) can be mathe…

rrant any form is, the greater must have been the number of connecting forms which, on my theory, have been exterminated. Darwin.

rom the natural state, or from a type. "The aberration of youth." Hall. "Aberrations from theory." Burke.

The theory or philosophy of taste; the science of the beautiful in nature and art; esp. that which treats of the expression and embodiment of beauty by art.

The theory which seeks to explain certain physiological and pathological by means of animalcules.

A believer in the theory of animalculism.

Opposed to the bacterial theory of disease.

An opposer of the theory of phlogiston.

dence; as, I make the remark, and leave you to make the application; the application of a theory.

The ethical theory which excludes all relations between virtue and happiness; the science of virtue; -- contrasted with eudemonics. J. Grote.

Pertaining to the theory held by the associationists.

The doctrine or theory held by associationists.

oved by Epicurus, and hence is sometimes denominated the Epicurean philosophy. -- Atomic theory, or the Doctrine of definite proportions (Chem.), teaches that chemical combinations take place between the supposed ultimate particles or atoms of bodies, in some simple ratio, as of one to one, two to three, or some other…

One who holds to the atomic philosophy or theory. Locke.

tic; the power of self- moving; automatic, mechanical, or involuntary action. (Metaph.) A theory as to the activity of matter.