Introduction

Abstract

Thermodynamics, like any other branch of engineering science, is really made up of three parts: fundamental laws, constitutive equations, and engineering applications. What is somewhat peculiar about thermodynamics is the relative importance of these three parts, and the way in which they can be approached. These peculiarities are perhaps best discussed by contrasting thermodynamics with another fundamental discipline of engineering science, i.e., fluid mechanics.

A textbook is a sort of table d’hote to which one may sit down and satisfy his hunger for information, with no thought of the complex agricultural processes which gave rise to the raw material, nor of the mills which converted these raw materials into foodstuffs, nor of the arts of cookery responsible for the well-prepared meal which is set before him. It has not been our desire to offer such a repast to our reader.

G. N. Lewis and M. Randall