The Second law of thermodynamics / edited by Joseph Kestin.

Includes bibliographies and indexes.

Pt.I. The first steps: Carnot, S. Reflections on the motive power of fire, and on machines fitted to develop that power.- Clapeyron, E. Memoir on the motive power of heat.- Thomson, W. (Lord Kelvin). On an absolute thermometric scale founded on Carnot's theory of the motive power of heat and calculated from Regnault's observations. An account of Carnot's theory of the motive power of heat; with numerical results deduced from Regnault's experiments on steam.- Clausius, R. On the moving force of heat and the law regarding the nature of heat itself which are deducible therefrom.- Pt. II. The classical formulations: Thompson, W. (Lord Kelvin). On the dynamical theory of heat, with numerical results deduced from Mr. Joule's equivalent of a thermal unit, and M. Regnault's observations on steam.- Clausius, R. On the application of the theorem of the equivalence of transformations to the internal work of a mass of matter.- Clausius, R. On different forms of the fundamental equations of the mechanicaltheory of heat and their convenience application.- Thomson, W. (Lord Kelvin). On a universal tendency in nature to the dissipation of mechanical energy. On the economy of the heating or cooling of buildings by means of currents of air.- Pt. III. The rounding off: Gibbs, J.W. On the equilibrium of heterogeneous substances.- Caratheodory, C. Investigation into the foundations of thermodynamics.- Planck, M. Second law of thermodynamics.- Born, M. Antecedence: thermodynamics.- Pt. IV. Second thoughts: Meixner, J. On the foundation of thermodynamics of processes.