The authors' goal is the presentation of the three major areas of phys ical chemistry: molecular structure, the equilibrium properties of sys tems, and the kinetics of transformations of systems. The theoretical foundations of these subjects are, respectively, quantum mechanics, th ermodynamics and equilibrium statistical mechanics, and chemical kinet ics and kinetic theory. These theories, firmly based on experimental f indings, constitute the structure required for the understanding of pa st accomplishments and the basis for recognition and development of si gnificant new areas in physical...