Statistical thermodynamics plays a vital linking role between quantum theory and chemical thermodynamics, yet students often find the subject unpalatable. In this text, the authors set out to overcome this by emphasizing the concepts involved, in particular demystifying the partition function. They do not get bogged down in the mathematics that are essential for a profound study of the subject but which can confuse the beginner. Strong emphasis is placed on the physical basis of statistical thermodynamics and the relations with experiment. After a clear exposition of the distribution laws,...