The Principles of Statistical Mechanics (Dover Books on Physics)

Statistical Mechanics is a notoriously difficult subject. This books lays out the foundations of this subject first using Classical Mechanics and then again using Quantum Mechanics. Dr. Tolman then shows how Thermodynamics concepts are related to Statistical Mechanics.This book also includes a self-contained introduction to Quantum Mechanics that is one of the clearest introductions to that subject I have seen.The treatment throughout is excellent. This is truly one of the best physics books I have ever read. And it was the standard work on the subject for thirty years.If you are trying to understand Statistical Mechanics, you owe it to yourself to read this book. Furthermore, this is somewhat urgent as this marvelous Dover edition is now out of print. If you can get a copy at a reasonable price, buy it. You can always read it later...Prerequisites? Strong calculus background. You should also have a passing familiarity with Fourier Transforms as they play a key role in the development of QM in this book. Also, some exposure to probability and combinatorics is required. Finally, some exposure to advanced classical mechanics will certainly be helpful as that is the launching point of the entire book.Downsides? No exercises. Dated notation for QM. Few pictures. No discussion of Information Theory and its connection to Entropy. Perhaps a bit too much exposition on certain points. Also, this book makes repeated references to another book focused more on the applications of Statistical Mechanics. Sadly, this second book has been out of print for decades. Finally, this book is light on applications, but that is in keeping with the author's intent.Nonetheless, a masterpiece.

wonderful book, nothing that i can add to this classic book that haven't been said before. do recommend as am introduction and a reference. as always read as much as you can and have a great day everyone!

The Principles of Statistical Mechanics (Dover Books on Physics) Richard Tolman wrote his masterpiece "Principles of Statistical Mechanics" and since thenthere has been nothing to surpass it. His work continues to be referenced in books and journalsbecause people use it as the "gold standard" for their work.It's not just a practical simplifiedexposition on statistical mechanics but rather it's a stunning and thorough treatment ofstat mech that includes a complete development of quantum mechanics. Personally I couldn'tlive without this book.

the book is a old one, but the writing is so good and has a current value.

The book came on time and in good condition.Give an in depth explanation of statistical mechanics, and treats the material well.

Good customer service, good book so far.

I received a nice library copy for England.

This book gives a very detailed treatment of statistical mechanics, both classical and quantum mechanical. Every concept is explained at length, with much verbiage. This makes it a great book to use for self-study. The book was written many years ago, and the treatment is somewhat dated. This shows up, e.g., in the treatment of quantum mechanics which uses the inner product notation while most modern books would use the dual space notation. Another feature of its age is its complete lack of graphs or charts (the only exception being the section on Boltzmann H-Theorem). Nevertheless, the lucid and detailed discussions more than make up for the lack of pictures. As a matter of fact, it may contain yet the most clear introduction to quantum mechanics itself, even though that is not the main purpose of this book. Highly recommended.

Not a recipe book of calculations, but a systematic exposition of the principles of statistical mechanics. Unparalled in its ponderousness, the derivations are beautiful, and the physical motivation for each one is always laid out in detail. This covers quantum as well as classical statistical mechanics. In fact, even the part on quantum mechanics alone is worth reading, because it gives insight into the state of quantum mechanics in the 1930s, as viewed by one of the deepest thinking physicists around. Back then, the fundamentals were plainly in sight, whereas now physicists are lost in the mathematical thicket.Naturally, since it was written so long ago, it is not by any stretch the final word on statistical mechanics. It's still a masterpiece, which illuminates many deep questions in physics. This is not, repeat, NOT, just a book of historical interest.

Quand je me suis décidé à lire le Tolman, j'avais déjà lu pas mal de traités sur la physique statistique. Il a été écrit il y a pas mal de temps (1938), mais il est très clair et examine à fond beaucoup de questions, classiques et quantiques. L'auteur n'hésite pas à prendre son temps pour exposer les concepts dont il a besoin, en particulier les bases de la mécanique quantique.On peut peut-être lui reprocher un certain manque de figures. Par ailleurs, son ancienneté entraîne que certains domaines, comme les rapports avec la théorie de l'information, ne sont pas traités.Je recommande sa lecture aussi bien aux étudiants qu'aux chercheurs : c'est un classique. En plus, l'édition Dover est si peu chère !

I don't know how many times I got suspended on the library because of this book. My absolute favorite textbook on physics and physical chemistry

One of the best books in the field

This book is perfect if you are in search of clarity about those topics which are often omitted in modern lectures but needed to understand the problems and hypothesis at the base of Statistical Mechanics. An old but preferrable approach you can feel sound with.