Tolman, Richard C. (1949) Thermodynamics with Relations to Statistical Mechanics and with Applications to Steady States. California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, CA. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20140731-090954978
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Abstract
It is the threefold purpose of this book, in the first place to give a short review of the principles of thermodynamics, in the second place to provide a brief outline of the relations of thermodynamics to statistical mechanics, and in the third place to present a theory of the thermodynamic behaviour of systems in steady states together with applications to some typical examples. The book is in no sense a complete treatise on thermodynamics, but does give an opportunity to present in one place a fairly coherent account of certain newer aspects of thermodynamic theory which seem to the writer of considerable importance. In the present chapter, The Principles of Thermodynamics, we shall discuss the nature of thermodynamic systems and processes, present the two laws of thermodynamics which govern the behaviour of thermodynamic systems and then define and consider certain thermodynamic functions which will be needed later. The chapter will of course contain nothing new, but it will be convenient for our purposes - and perhaps useful for more general purposes - to have a condensed account of thermodynamic theory available.
| Item Type: | Book |
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| Alternate Title: | The Principle of Thermodynamics |
| Additional Information: | Dr. Tolman had planned to write a book on thermodynamics on his return from Washington after the war. Because of more pressing demands on his time from other activities, he had completed only the introductory chapter at the time of his death. Publication of the chapter in essay form did not seem appropriate to those of his friends who examined the manuscript, since by structure and organization it was clearly not intended for this purpose. At the same time, it seemed desirable that Dr. Tolman's discussion of some of the fundamental concepts of the science of thermodynamics should be made available to his colleagues and friends, and perhaps to their students. After reading the manuscript, Robert Oppenheimer made the fortunate suggestion that a limited number of copies be prepared and sent to a group of Dr. Tolman's friends and colleagues. This suggestion has been adopted as the best solution to the problem of distribution. John G. Kirkwood Gates and Crellin Laboratories of Chemistry California Institute of Technology April 4, 1949 |
| Non-Subject Keywords: | thermodynamics |
| Record Number: | CaltechAUTHORS:20140731-090954978 |
| Persistent URL: | https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20140731-090954978 |
| Usage Policy: | No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided. |
| ID Code: | 47696 |
| Collection: | CaltechAUTHORS |
| Deposited By: | Joy Painter |
| Deposited On: | 31 Jul 2014 16:24 |
| Last Modified: | 03 Oct 2019 06:56 |
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