Pauli Wolfgang. Pauli lectures on physics: Volume 3. Thermodynamics and the Kinetic Theory of Gases

Cambridge (Massachusetts) — London (England): The MIT Press, 1973. — XII + 138 p.: ill. — ISBN: 0-262-16048-X.Max Born, who knew both, rated Pauli as good as Einstein. I don't agree, but, OK, it's a nice compliment! Anyway, Pauli was really great, and a great writer, in this case far surpassing Einstein. These are his lectures (mostly) on Thermodynamics at the ETH, Zurich, which, by the way, was Einstein's alma mater. Pauli lectured on all of theoretical phyisics there, for several years. He was revered, and the students carefully took notes of whatever he said and write. These notes were then carefully edited by senior colleagues, like Charles Enz. The result was a slim, compact, wonderful text of Carnot-cycle thermodynamics which has even some originality: the master deemed it necessary to reformulate the treatment of chemical equilibrium (using van't Hoof boxes)to reach his standards of excellence.This is not a text-book on thermodynamics for beginners: it is a exquisite booklet to polish your understanding and reveal the great elegance and depth of the thermodynamical formalism and, most importantly, ideas.Relevant text examines basic concepts and the First Law, the Second Law, equilibria, Nerst's Heat Theorem, and the kinetic theory of gases. As does each book in this series, Vol. 3 includes an index and a wealth of helpful figures. It can also be read independently by those who wish to focus on a particular topic. Alone or as part of the complete set, the work is a peerless resource that will be invaluable to individuals as well as to libraries and other institutions.Basic Concepts and the First Law.
The Second Law.
Equilibria.
Nernst's Heat Theorem.
Kinetic Theory of Gases.