Associations to the word «Phlogiston»

Wiktionary

PHLOGISTON, noun. (chemistry) (historical) The hypothetical fiery principle formerly assumed to be a necessary constituent of combustible bodies and to be given up by them in burning.
PHLOGISTON THEORY, noun. (chemistry) an obsolete scientific theory of combustion

Dictionary definition

PHLOGISTON, noun. A hypothetical substance once believed to be present in all combustible materials and to be released during burning.

Wise words

In words, as fashions, the same rule will hold; Alike fantastic, if too new, or old: Be not the first by whom the new are tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside.
Alexander Pope