Title: A wonderful introduction to thermodynamics
Review: Atkins does the best job I know of to explain the goals and principles of thermodynamics to the layman. He is a great pedagogue, and his book is wonderful. It is neither simplistic nor arcane. It is a non mathematical introduction to thermodynamics, with the advantages and the obvious limitations of such an approach. At the outset Atkins warns us that mathematics are a tool to help us describe scientifically the world, a very powerful tool indeed, but not more. And at first it is better to get a first glimpse of thermodynamics without this tool. Then for those interested in going further mathematics become indispensable. Atkins book, I hope, will spurr many vocations ; many great physicists of the future will fondly remember Atkins book as their first marvellous introduction to the beauties of thermodynamics.
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