The kinetic basis of thermodynamics

Abstract
In this paper the thermodynamical properties of any system whatsoever are deduced from quantum mechanics. Two fundamental irreversible processes are considered: the conversion of other forms of energy into heat, and the flow of heat from one temperature to another. By the proof of a generalized H-theorem, it is shown that in each case the entropy, correctly defined, must increase, and the system tend towards a state of equilibrium. A simple but rigorous proof of Boltzmann's law is given from which the thermodynamics of reversible processes may be inferred. An appendix includes the exact solution of the most general time-dependent perturbation problem of quantum mechanics.

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