Reflections On The Motive Power Of Fire: And Other Papers On

Book Details:

• Author: Sadi Carnot

• Publisher: Dover

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 192

• Release Date: 01-12-2005

• EAN: 9780486446417

• Package Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.4 inches

• Languages: English

About The Book:

Sadi Carnot’s Reflections on the Motive Power of Fire, originally published in 1824, is a foundational work that helped establish the principles of modern thermodynamics. In this influential essay, Carnot explores the relationship between heat and work, specifically in the context of heat engines like steam engines, air engines, and internal combustion engines.

This Dover edition is a translation of the 1890 edition and is highly accessible, offering an insightful and readable introduction to the ideas that would later shape the laws of thermodynamics. Carnot’s work is notable for its clarity and its absence of complex calculus, making it an ideal starting point for those interested in the field of thermodynamics. The title essay and other papers included in this volume laid the groundwork for the later development of the second law of thermodynamics, highlighting Carnot’s crucial contribution to science.

The text delves into the mechanics of heat engines, presenting concepts that were revolutionary in the early 19th century, and it is still studied for its historical significance and its role in advancing our understanding of energy transfer and efficiency.

Key Features:

• Classic work that laid the foundation for modern thermodynamics.

• Accessible text, no complex calculus required.

• Discusses heat and work in relation to steam engines, air engines, and internal combustion machines.

• Translation of the 1890 edition.

• Ideal for readers interested in the history and development of thermodynamics.

This book is essential for students and enthusiasts of physics and engineering, as it provides historical insight into the development of key scientific concepts that continue to shape modern energy technologies.