This popular, often cited text returns in a softcover edition to provide a thorough introduction to statistical physics and thermodynamics, and to exhibit the universality of the chain of ideas leading from the laws of microphysics to the macroscopic behaviour of matter. A wide range of applications illustrates the concepts, and many exercises reinforce understanding. Volume I discusses the probabilistic description of quantum or classical systems, the Boltzmann-Gibbs distributions, the conservation laws, and the interpretation of entropy as missing information. Thermodynamics and electromagnetism in matter are dealt with, as well as applications to dilute and condensed gases, and to phase transitions.

Introduction.- Paramagnetism of Ionic Solids.- Probabilistic Description of Systems.- Information Theory and Statistical Entropy.- The Boltzmann-Gibbs Distribution.- Thermodynamics Revisited.- On the Proper Use of Equilibrium Thermodynamics.- The Perfect Gas.- Molecular Properties of Gases.- Condensation of Gases and Phase Transitions.- Subject Index.- Units and Physical Constants.- A Few Useful Formulae.