World Scientific Publishing Company WALTHER NERNST: PIONEER OF PHYSICS, AND OF CHEMISTRY: Pioneer of Physics and of Chemistry

Exactly 100 years ago, in 1905, Walther Nernst discovered the Third Law of Thermodynamics, thus completing this fundamental theory. In 1920, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The book describes the life of this pioneer of science, his major stations being Graz, then Gottingen, and finally Berlin. Also presented is a lively account of the development of low temperature physics by Nernst during the early days of quantum theory, when he was in Berlin, closely associated with Albert Einstein, Max Planck, and Max von Laue. The book outlines the specific advances achieved by Nernst in the thermodynamic concepts of theoretical chemistry. Written for a general readership, it can also serve as a supplement for courses in physics and chemistry. In addition to the role of science in the life of Nernst, the impact of the political turmoil in Germany before and after the advent of the 20th century is also told. Review Particularly illuminating is the author's treatment of Nernst's professional relationships, which effectively illustrate his influential position in the German physical chemistry and physics communities … it will be of greatest benefit as a reference for historians already familiar with Nernst's work or those who wish to gain special insight into his process of discovery in developing the Nernst equation and the third law. The primary historical data presented here makes up a valuable picture of the German scientific community, portraying Nernst as an active, respected, prolific, and highly motivated researcher who came to define the scope of electrochemistry in its incipience. --Isis