The term "physics" itself is quite old, dating back to ancient Greece. There wasn't really a single "old name" for physics, but rather a collection of terms and concepts that were later unified under the umbrella of physics.

Here are some terms that were used to describe what we now call physics:

* Natural Philosophy: This was the dominant term for the study of nature from the ancient Greeks through the 18th century. It covered a wide range of topics, including astronomy, mechanics, optics, and even biology.

* Cosmology: This term, also used since ancient Greece, focused on the study of the universe as a whole.

* Mechanics: This term, introduced in the 17th century by Isaac Newton, specifically focused on the study of motion and forces.

* Optics: This term was used for the study of light and vision.

* Acoustics: This term was used for the study of sound.

The term "physics" gradually gained prominence in the 19th century, as scientific understanding advanced and the field became more specialized. Today, "physics" is the accepted term for the study of matter, energy, and their interactions.