Elements of Classical Thermodynamics:For Advanced Students of Physics

The laws of thermodynamics are amongst the most assured and wide-ranging of all scientific laws. They do not pretend to explain any observation in molecular terms but, by showing the necessary relationships between different physical properties, they reduce otherwise disconnected results to compact order, and predict new effects. This classic title, first published in 1957, is a systematic exposition of principles, with examples of applications, especially to changes of places and the conditions for stability. In all this entropy is a key concept.

Table of Contents:
Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. The zeroth and first laws of thermodynamics; 3. Reversible changes; 4. The second law of thermodynamics; 5. A miscellany of useful ideas; 6. Applications of thermodynamics to simple systems; 7. The thermodynamic inequalities; 8. Phase equilibrium; 9. Higher-order transitions; Exercises; Index.

Review :
'There can be no hesitation in recommending this book to all undergraduates and postgraduates interested in thermodynamics, and many users of more advanced thermodynamics might well find pleasure in a study of this well-written account.' Nature 'This is a superb little book ... It has something of the flavour of an engrossing novel, or detective story, in which the author explores, with the aid of thermodynamic techniques, some of the mysteries of the more exciting parts of physics; in particular those, such as superconductivity, related to phase changes. Even when dealing with old and familiar topics it frequently imports a fresh and invigorating approach.' Science Progress 'This little book is intended for advanced students of physics; but, with the possible exception of the final chapter, it could be read with profit by any student of engineering who seeks a fairly rigorous basis for his applied thermodynamics. It has the enormous advantage that the author makes a real effort to pinpoint some of the difficulties of his subject and to clarify them.' Journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society 'Dr Pippard's book, whilst paying adequate attention to technique, is particularly to be recommended for providing the reader with an understanding of thermodynamics. Many awkward points, which are glossed over in other treatises, are discussed clearly and comprehensively ... anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of thermodynamics cannot fail to derive benefit and stimulus from its pages.' Philosophical Magazine 'Pippard attains the fine level of excellence one is accustomed to find in books from the Cambridge University Press. Succinct but not brief, thorough but not boring, instructive but not pedantic describe the general tenor.' Journal of the American Chemical Society 'It has freshness, brevity and elegance which will delight the physicist who is (or who is prepared to become) enthusiastic about thermodynamics.' Proceedings of the Physical Society 'If there possibly exist students who have at one time felt thermodynamics to be a somewhat dry and uninspiring subject, this book is to be recommended to them for refreshment.' American Institute of Physics