Did Benjamin Thompson agree with caloric theory?

Answer 1

Benjamin Thompson, also known as Count Rumford, did not fully agree with the caloric theory. He challenged the idea that heat is a fluid called caloric, arguing instead that heat is a form of energy related to motion. His experiments, particularly those involving the boring of cannon, demonstrated that heat could be generated through mechanical work, supporting the concept that heat is not a conserved fluid but rather a result of kinetic energy. This laid the groundwork for later developments in thermodynamics.