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Classical thermodynamics
In thermodynamics history, classical thermodynamics is a loose synonym for thermodynamics developed before atomic structure had been discerned, beginning in the 1890s. The term classical thermodynamics, as it is often used, is said to be independent of atomic and molecular models. [1] The term itself, is rather ill-defined; often used as a crutch for a lack of a direct reference.
Etymology
The semi-common term “classical thermodynamics” seems to have been introduced in the following circa 1940s quote by German-born American physicist Albert Einstein: [2]
In the years to follow, and specifically in the 1950s, a number of books and textbooks began to appear with this title, a trend that continued into the 1970s. [3] The term “classical thermodynamics”, as used by Einstein, as judged by his first 30 published scientific papers (85% of which were in thermodynamics), would seem to refer generally to the thermodynamic publications of German physicist Rudolf Clausius, and those surrounding or connected to his work. [4]
In the 1957 publication Elements of Classical Thermodynamics, British physicist Brian Pippard defined classical thermodynamics as “the method of approach that takes no account of the atomic constitution of matter [and] makes no attempt to provide a mechanistic explanation of why a given substance has the properties observed experimentally.” [5] This would generally date classical thermodynamics to the publication up until the year 1889 or the years before the thermodynamic publications of German physicist Max Planck and his theory of energy quanta in black bodies.
References
1. McQuarrie, Donald. A. and Simon, John D. (1999). Molecular Thermodynamics (keyword: classical thermodynamics, pgs. 1-2). University Science Books.
2. (a) Einstein, Albert. (author), Paul Arthur, Schilpp (editor). (1979). Autobiographical Notes. A Centennial Edition, (p. 31). Open Court Publishing Company. (b) As quoted by Don Howard, John Stachel. Einstein: The Formative Years, 1879-1909 (Einstein Studies, vol. 8). Birkhäuser Boston. 2000. (p. 1).
3. (a) Buchdahl, Hans A. (1966). The Concepts of Classical Thermodynamics. Cambridge University Press.
(b) Münster, Arnold. (1970). Classical Thermodynamics. Wiley-Interscience.
(c) Van Wylen, Gordon J. and Sonntag, Richard E. (1976). Fundamentals of Classical Thermodynamics. Wiley.
4. List of Scientific Publications by Albert Einstein – Wikipedia.
5. Pippard, A. B. (1957). Elements of Classical Thermodynamics for Students of Physics, (pg. 1). Cambridge University Press.
Etymology
The semi-common term “classical thermodynamics” seems to have been introduced in the following circa 1940s quote by German-born American physicist Albert Einstein: [2]
"A theory is the more impressive the greater the simplicity of its premises, the more different kinds of things it relates, and the more extended its area of applicability. Therefore the deep impression that classical thermodynamics made upon me. It is the only physical theory of universal content which I am convinced will never be overthrown, within the framework of applicability of its basic concepts."— Albert Einstein, Autobiographical Notes (c. 1940s) [4]
In the years to follow, and specifically in the 1950s, a number of books and textbooks began to appear with this title, a trend that continued into the 1970s. [3] The term “classical thermodynamics”, as used by Einstein, as judged by his first 30 published scientific papers (85% of which were in thermodynamics), would seem to refer generally to the thermodynamic publications of German physicist Rudolf Clausius, and those surrounding or connected to his work. [4]
In the 1957 publication Elements of Classical Thermodynamics, British physicist Brian Pippard defined classical thermodynamics as “the method of approach that takes no account of the atomic constitution of matter [and] makes no attempt to provide a mechanistic explanation of why a given substance has the properties observed experimentally.” [5] This would generally date classical thermodynamics to the publication up until the year 1889 or the years before the thermodynamic publications of German physicist Max Planck and his theory of energy quanta in black bodies.
References
1. McQuarrie, Donald. A. and Simon, John D. (1999). Molecular Thermodynamics (keyword: classical thermodynamics, pgs. 1-2). University Science Books.
2. (a) Einstein, Albert. (author), Paul Arthur, Schilpp (editor). (1979). Autobiographical Notes. A Centennial Edition, (p. 31). Open Court Publishing Company. (b) As quoted by Don Howard, John Stachel. Einstein: The Formative Years, 1879-1909 (Einstein Studies, vol. 8). Birkhäuser Boston. 2000. (p. 1).
3. (a) Buchdahl, Hans A. (1966). The Concepts of Classical Thermodynamics. Cambridge University Press.
(b) Münster, Arnold. (1970). Classical Thermodynamics. Wiley-Interscience.
(c) Van Wylen, Gordon J. and Sonntag, Richard E. (1976). Fundamentals of Classical Thermodynamics. Wiley.
4. List of Scientific Publications by Albert Einstein – Wikipedia.
5. Pippard, A. B. (1957). Elements of Classical Thermodynamics for Students of Physics, (pg. 1). Cambridge University Press.
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