"Science Of Energetics. Although the mechanical hypothesis just mentioned may be useful and interesting as a means of anticipating laws, and connecting the science of thermodynamics with that of ordinary mechanics, still it is to be remembered that the science of thermodynamics is by no means dependent for its certainty on that or any other hypothesis, having been now reduced, to a system of principles, or general facts, expressing strictly the results of experiment as to the relations between heat and motive power. In this point of view the laws of thermodynamics may be regarded as particular cases of more general laws, applicable to all such states of matter as constitute Energy, or the capacity to perform work, which more general laws form the basis of the science of energetics, — a science comprehending, as special branches, the theories of motion, heat, light, electricity, and all other physical phenomena."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Mechanical engineersPeople from EdinburghInventorsPhysicists from ScotlandUniversity of Edinburgh alumni
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
p. 31
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/William_John_Macquorn_Rankine
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
William John Macquorn Rankine
William John Macquorn Rankine (5 July 1820 – 24 December 1872) was a Scottish engineer and physicist.
29 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by William John Macquorn Rankine →
Related Quotes
"Discrepancy between theory and practice, which in sound physical and mechanical science is a delusion, has a real exi…"
"This law (regarding the theoretical efficiency of heat engines by Mr. Joule), and the law of the maximum efficiency o…"
"An essential distinction exists between two stages in the process of advancing our knowledge of the laws of physical …"
"A physical theory, like an abstract science, consists of definitions and axioms as first principles, and of propositi…"
"A hypothetical theory is necessary, as a preliminary step, to reduce the expression of the phenomena to simplicity an…"
"The evil influence of the supposed inconsistency of theory and practice upon speculative science, although much less …"
"[O]f that scientifically practical skill which produces the greatest effect with the least possible expenditure of ma…"
"With respect to those works which, from unscientific design, give way during or immediately after their erection, I s…"
"But a class of structures fraught with much greater evils exist in great abundance throughout the country—namely, tho…"
"The hypothesis of molecular vortices is defined to be that which assumes — that each atom of matter consists of a nuc…"