Helmholtz:

remembered for his work in science, but also a recognized leader of the German scientific community who made valuable contributions to the philosophy of science, in particular his epistemology.  After 1848 Helmholtz was on the Liberal side of the deep Liberal versus Conservative debate in Germany; he promoted open discussion, empiricism, freedom of investigation & rational criticism, all Enlightenment values at odds with the older German & Conservative values, of hierarchical society, social elites & the stigmatizing of open discussion or criticism.  Helmholtz had no time for Goethe's approach (based on appearances & contemplation) instead favouring a rational, mechanical approach; Idealization placed Nature beyond rational comprehension.

and see Chapter II page 64

 

Helmholtz (lecture of 1869): * see Endnote<A>

In 1869 Helmholtz, as leader of the German scientific community, addressed the collective body of German speaking scientists, the educated public & the government; he aimed to provide a picture of both science & society.  He clearly adopts an empiricist approach to science and abandons any pretence to the older metaphysics, based on Kant or Idealism.

 

“extended”:

adjective- having extension or spatial magnitude; Spengler is linking the word extended with space (which is part of the Faustian Ur symbol or concept).

 

“change of place”:

obtuse way of saying: to move from one place to another, or motion

 

Western mechanics:

branch of physics dealing with the action of forces on bodies & with motion, comprised of kinetics, statics, and kinematics.