On the dynamical theory of gases IN: Phil. Trans. v. 157", pt. 1 Orig. pr. wraps. Fine copy

Maxwell, James Clerk

Published by Taylor & Francis, London, 1867

About this Item

Maxwell, James Clerk (1831-79). On the dynamical theory of gases. In: Phil. Trans. 157 (1867): 49-88. 4to. [12] 298pp. 10 plates. London: Taylor & Francis, 1867. 301 x 231 mm. (uncut & unopened). The original separate issue in original printed wrappers, slightly soiled. Fine copy. First Edition. Maxwell's second paper on the kinetic theory of gases, following up on his "Illustrations of the dynamical theory of gases" (1860), in which Maxwell introduced the concept of describing actual physical processes by a statistical function-an "extraordinary novelty" (DSB) that marks the beginning of a new era in the history of physics. In the present paper, Maxwell "offered a new derivation of the distribution law tied directly to molecular encounters. To maintain equilibrium the distribution function must satisfy the relation f(v1) f(v2) = f(v¥1) f(v¥2) where v1 and v¥1 are velocities of molecule 1 and v2 and v¥2 of molecule 2 before and after encounter. . . . This established the equilibrium of the exponential distribution but not its uniqueness. From considerations of cyclic collision processes Maxwell sketched an argument that any velocity distribution would ultimately converge to the same form. The proof of the theorem in full mathematical rigor is still an open problem" (DSB). 32238. Seller Inventory # 32238

Bibliographic Details

Title: On the dynamical theory of gases IN: Phil. ...

Publisher: Taylor & Francis, London

Publication Date: 1867

Binding: Soft cover

Edition: 1st Edition