Statistical foundations of irreversible thermodynamics

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Thermodynamics emerged as a key discipline during the Industrial Revolution in 18th-century England, evolving from the study of heat's ability to produce mechanical work. The term itself combines the Greek words for heat and force. The roots of thermodynamics trace back to the early 19th century, but foundational concepts like temperature were recognized much earlier, with Galileo's work in the 17th century. The late 18th century saw the rise of calorimetry, which contributed to the caloric theory of heat. By the late 19th century, Clausius had solidified thermodynamics as a distinct scientific field. The integration of thermodynamics with mechanics began with kinetic theory, influenced by scientists such as D. Bernouilli, J. Herapath, and R. Clausius, and later expanded through Statistical Mechanics. This branch aims to relate thermodynamic properties and macroscopic observables to the dynamic behavior of particles within a system. The precise origins of Statistical Mechanics are complex and not easily pinpointed.