A Note on Fourier and the Greenhouse Effect

TL;DR

This paper discusses Joseph Fourier's original work on the greenhouse effect, compares it to modern understandings, and highlights conceptual paradoxes and potential inaccuracies in current definitions.

Contribution

It clarifies the analogy between Fourier's greenhouse work and modern concepts, questioning the correctness of current greenhouse effect theories and heat definitions.

Findings

Fourier's work is analogous to modern greenhouse effect

Modern concept relies on a paradoxical analogy

Potential inaccuracies in current heat definitions

Abstract

Joseph Fourier's discovery of the greenhouse effect is discussed and is compared to the modern conception of the greenhouse effect. It is confirmed that what Fourier discovered is analogous to the modern concept of the greenhouse effect. However, the modern concept of the greenhouse effect is found to be based on a paradoxical analogy to Fourier's greenhouse work and so either Fourier's greenhouse work, the modern conception of the greenhouse effect, or the modern definition of heat is incorrect. The solution to this problem is not feigned to be given here.