In hmolscience, Prigogine-Waime theory, "Prigogine-Wiame principle" or "minimum entropy production" principle (Adams, 1988), holds that the thermodynamics of linear irreversible processes apply to ontogenesis, such that the growth of the organism is a process of continuous approach of the organism to a final stationary state (adulthood), accompanied by a decrease of the specific rate of entropy production of the specific dissipation function:
Ψ = q
“The thermodynamic study of systems in which stationary (non-equilibrium) states were possible, led one of us (I. P.) to a number of general conclusions. In the present paper these conclusions are summarized and briefly discussed from a biological standpoint. It appears that the evolution of such systems is towards states with the least production of entropy (per mass unit) compatible with the conditions imposed. In the case of living matter this corresponds approximately to states of minimum metabolism. During this evolution the entropy contained in the system may decrease whilst the heterogenity increases. But this increase in heterogenity can only take place when there is a decrease in the entropy production, that is an evolution of the metabolism. We are thus led to suggest a physicochemical interpretation of Lamarchism. Finally we call attention to the fact that the moderation principle of Le Chatelier-Braun is not limited to equilibrium states.”
“The theorem of minimum entropy production expresses a kind of ‘internal’ property of nonequilibrium systems. When given boundary conditions prevent the system from reaching thermodynamic equilibrium, i.e. zero entropy production, the system settles down in the state of ‘least dissipation’.”— Ilya Prigogine (1980), From Being to Becoming (pg. 88); cited by Richard Adams (1988) in The Eighth Day (pg. 43)