The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Vortex theory \Vortex theory\ (Chem. & Physics)
   The theory, advanced by Thomson (Lord Kelvin) on the basis of
   investigation by Helmholtz, that the atoms are vortically
   moving ring-shaped masses (or masses of other forms having a
   similar internal motion) of a homogeneous, incompressible,
   frictionless fluid. Various properties of such atoms (

   vortex atoms) can be mathematically deduced. This theory is
      now (1998) obsolete, and has been superseded by quantum
      mechanics, which provides more accurate and detailed
      explanations of atomic behavior.
      [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]