Skip to main content

Part of the book series: International Centre for Mechanical Sciences ((CISM,volume 70))

  • 151 Accesses

Abstract

We are not such optimists as were our teachers and parents. We do not have to equate “progress” with every δf(t) if δt > 0, t being the time. Instead of a field of brilliant success like hydrodynamics or electromagnetism, I shall discuss one accursed by misunderstanding, irrelevance, retreat, and failure: thermodynamics in the 19th century. You will not be surprised, consequently, by my use of a delta to define progress, since thermodynamics is the kingdom of deltas. However, in this lecture I will not use a delta again.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1971 Springer-Verlag Wien

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Truesdell, C. (1971). Introduction. In: The Tragicomedy of Classical Thermodynamics. International Centre for Mechanical Sciences, vol 70. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-2393-5_1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-2393-5_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Vienna

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-211-81114-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-7091-2393-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics