Ludwig Boltzmann: The Man Who Trusted Atoms

Foreword Preface Introduction 1. short biography of Ludwig Boltzmann 2. Physics before Boltzmann 3. Kinetic theory before Boltzmann 4. The Boltzmann equation 5. Time irreversibility and the H-theorem 6. Boltzmann's relation and the statistical interpretation of entropy 7. Boltzmann, Gibbs and equilibrium statistical mechanics 8. The problem of polyatomic molecules 9. Boltzmann's contributions to other branches of physics 10. Boltzmann as a philosopher 11. Boltzmann and his contemporaries 12. The influence of Boltzmann's ideas on the science and technology of the twentieth century Epilogue Chronologys A German professor's journey to Eldorado Appendices