matter opposes change with all the means at its disposal

An example of anthropomorphic language in scientific writing:

"This principle [Le Châtelier principle] says that matter resists change: when it is forced to change, it opposes the force with all the means at its disposal. … When a gas is compressed, it is forced to occupy a smaller volume. It must comply, but it complies as reluctantly as it can."

Alan Holden

Holden, A. (1965). The Nature of Solids. Columbia University Press.

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Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.