This book is an elaboration of the author's lecture notes in a graduate course in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The original notes supplemented topics lacking in traditional texts. In its present augmented version the book may be used as the sole or primary text in a one-semester course in thermodynamics/statistical mechanics or as an adjunct text in a two-semester course.

Statistical mechanics is the application of physics or chemistry at finite temperature T and can encompass as many topics involving these disciplines as one wishes. As much as the quality of presentation, it...

This book is an elaboration of the author's lecture notes in a graduate course in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The original notes supplemented topics lacking in traditional texts. In its present augmented version the book may be used as the sole or primary text in a one-semester course in thermodynamics/statistical mechanics or as an adjunct text in a two-semester course.

Statistical mechanics is the application of physics or chemistry at finite temperature T and can encompass as many topics involving these disciplines as one wishes. As much as the quality of presentation, it...

This new version of a classic updates much of the material in earlier editions, including the first chapter, on the history of the field. Important modifications reflect major discoveries of the past decades. A historical perspective is maintained throughout. The reader is drawn into the process of discovery: starting with a phenomenon, finding plausible explanations and competing theories ? and finally, the solution. The theory of magnetism is practically a metaphor for theoretical physics. The very first quantum many-body theory (Bethe's ansatz) was devised for magnetic chains, just as...