pneuˈmatics
[In form, pl. of pneumatic a. = pneumatic treatises or matters: see -ic 2.]
1. That branch of physics which deals with the mechanical properties (as density, elasticity, pressure, etc.) of air, or other elastic fluids or gases.
| [1656 Blount Glossogr., Pneumaticks, books treating of Spirits or the winds.] 1660 Boyle New Exp. Phys. Mech. Pref. 3 They may look upon these Narratives as standing Records in our new Pneumaticks. 1673 Phil. Trans. VIII. 6045 The whole Science of Pneumatiques. 1806 Hutton Course Math. II. 226 Pneumatics is the science which treats of the properties of air, or elastic fluids. 1866 Brande & Cox Dict. Sc. etc. 914/2 The science of pneumatics has been created entirely by modern discoveries. Galileo first demonstrated that air possesses weight. His pupil Torricelli invented the barometer. |
2. = pneumatology 1 a, b. Obs. exc. Hist.
| [a 1650 J. Prideaux (title) Hypomnemata, Logica, Rhetorica, Physica, Metaphysica, Pneumatica, Ethica, Politica, Œconomica.] 1695 Evid. bef. Scott. Univ. Comm. 1690 (1837) I. Edinb. App. 42 That..the pneumatics or speciall metaphysicks [be composed] by the colledge of Edinburgh. Ibid. III. St. Andrews 217 In the third year, we teach the metaphysicks and with them the Pneumaticks... We do not hold it necessary to add to the Physicks any thing de anima, for all questions concerning it may be discust in the Pneumaticks. 1727–41 Chambers Cycl., Pneumatics, in the schools, is frequently used for the doctrine of spirits; as God, angels, and the human mind. 1734 Rules made for Sir J. Pringle in Grant Univ. Edinb. (1884) II. 336 The Pneumatics: that is, the being and perfections of the one true God, the nature of Angels and the soul of man, and the duties of natural religion. 1776 Adam Smith W.N. v. i. (1869) II. 355 What are called metaphysics or pneumatics were set in opposition to physics. 1869 Contemp. Rev. X. 407 It was not to be..any metaphysical pneumatics woven out of scholastic brains. |