@article {354192,
	title = {Joan {B}aptiste {V}an {H}elmont and the question of experimental modernism},
	journal = {Physis: Rivista Internazionale di Storia della Scienza},
	volume = {43},
	year = {2005},
	pages = {305{\textendash}332},
	abstract = {<p>In this paper, I take up the question to what extent and in which sense we can conceive of Joan Baptista Van Helmonts (1579-1644) style of experimenting as modern. Connected to this question, I shall reflect upon what Van Helmonts precise contribution to experimental practice has been. I will argue  after having analysed some of Van Helmonts experiments such as his tree experiment, ice experiment, and thermoscope experiment  that Van Helmont had a strong preference to locate experimental designs in places wherein variables can be more easily controlled (and, ultimately, in relatively closed physical systems such as, paradigmatically, the vessel, globe, or sphere [vas, globus, sphera]). After having reviewed some alternative options, I shall argue that Van Helmonts usage of relatively isolated physical systems and a moderate degree of quantification is the feature that best characterizes his contributions to modern experimentation.</p>},
	issn = {0031-9414},
	author = {Ducheyne, Steffen}
}
