N.Y.: Bookman Associates, 1962. — XVI + 264 p.: illus.Thermodynamics establishes the energetic and thermal behavior of all physical, chemical and biological systems and processes in broad terms. However, in the classic form the theory has been generally concerned with static systems and quasistatic processes. When applied to actual cases which are not necessarily static, we find that classic theory is at times not consistent with observation. It is for this reason that scientists have sought new approaches, such as kinetic and statistical theories, as supplements to and at times as complete replacements of classic thermodynamics.Many questions and doubts have arisen of late, with regard to the applicability of thermodynamics to biological phenomena, particularly with regard to the meaning of the second law. Also, many difficulties have been encountered in explaining low temperature phenomena, such as the behavior of liquid helium II. It appears that classic thermodynamics, in spite of its grandeur and simplicity, has reached an impasse! What in this theory prevents our continuing along the broad lines of thought laid down by Boyle, Gay-Lussac, Black, Carnot, Mayer, Joule, Clausius, Helmholtz, Kelvin, Gibbs, and many others? Well may we ponder this question.As to kinetic and statistical theories, what comfort may we draw from them? Their successes in explaining the behavior of matter beyond the states of attenuated gases and perfect crystalline forms are not very impressive. The constant reference to deviations from a 'perfect' gas or 'perfect' solution, or 'perfect' state is more or less a confession of weakness. Why can we not make a frontal attack without an evasion in terms of deviations from states which actually do not exist in nature? There are many reasons — among them a lack of knowledge of the physical properties of the microscopic entities, together with insurmountable mathematical difficulties.Classic thermodynamics, as it has been formulated, has been of great service to the other sciences in the past. However, with the new discoveries in solid state and quantum physics, and with the extension of chemical and physical sciences in engineering and biology, in the fields of low and high temperatures and pressures, we find that the classic development is not very gratifying. The writer finds that through the years serious limitations have crept unawares into the basic concepts of both thermodynamics and mechanics (on which the kinetic and statistical theories depend). It is the consideration of these basic concepts, together with the consequences of their generalizations, which is the main purpose of this book.Contents
Classic Thermodynamics
Introduction
Equation of State
Some Mathematical Considerations
Law of Conservation of Energy
The Temperature Concept; Temperature Scale
Calorimetric Properties
Kelvin — Planck and Clausius’ Principles: Carnot Cycle
Thermodynamic Temperature Scale: Entropy
Thermodynamic Potential Functions
Properties of Fluids
The General Thermodynamic System of Gibbs
Generalized Thermodynamics
A Generalization of Thermodynamics
The Kelvin — Planck and Clausius’ Principles from the Generalized Thermodynamic Standpoint
The Dissipative Properties of Systems
Thermodynamics of Material Systems: A Theory of Catalysis
Phenomena at Low Temperatures and at Absolute Zero
Further Considerations of the Independent Variables: the Potential Character of Entropy
Explicit Equations of State
The Temperature Scale
Equilibrium and Stability of Systems
Mechanics
A Critical Examination of Newton’s Laws of Motion and their Relation to the Mass Concept
Some Considerations on Electrostatics
Critique o f Statistical Mechanics
Critique of Statistical Mechanics
In Retrospect
Index
