Re: [Phys-l] The Abysmal Foundations of Thermodynamics

["Rauber, Joel" <Joel.Rauber@SDSTATE.EDU>]

Here is a reference, not really suitable as a textbook for a class; but very suitable as a reference for the teacher who is teaching the class.

"A survey of Thermodynamics" by Martin Bailyn

_________________________

Joel Rauber, Ph.D 
Professor and Head of Physics
Department of Physics
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
Joel.Rauber@sdstate.edu 
605.688.5428 (w)
605.688.5878 (fax) 


> -----Original Message-----
> From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu [mailto:phys-l-
> bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of Derek McKenzie
> Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 1:33 AM
> To: physl
> Subject: [Phys-l] The Abysmal Foundations of Thermodynamics
>
>
> For some years now I have been frustrated by the lack of a text
> providing an intellectually rigorous and satisfying foundation for
> Thermodynamics. The subjects brought up frequently on this list
> reinforce this frustration.
>
> Although all branches of physics are, IMHO, generally taught poorly, one
> can find, if determined, a handful of excellent treatments of most
> physics topics in text books and journal articles, however
> Thermodynamics seems to me to be an exception.
>
> John Denker's notes are an excellent resource, but obviously not
> intended to be the sort of self-contained treatise I am looking for. I
> recently came across a text that is incredibly thorough in intent, but
> which differs so much from convention that I'm not sure if I can trust
> it or not. It's called 'Thermodynamics - Foundations and Applications'
> by Elias P. Gyftopoulos and Gian Paolo Beretta. I'd be very interested
> in hearing what any of you have to say about that work.
>
> To get to my point, can any of you please refer me to a text, or a
> collection of journal articles, or even a website, that treats
> Thermodynamics with the logical consistency and conceptual clarity that
> is missing from virtually every resource I have ever encountered?
>
> Failing that, can John Denker please tell me when he is going to write
> one? ;-)
>
> I am EXTREMELY keen to hear your thoughts on this one, as it is a
> glaring hole in physics education at the moment.
>
> All the best,
>
> Derek
>
>
>
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