Willard Gibbs

:For Josiah Willard Gibbs, Sr. see Willard Gibbs (linguist)

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Josiah Willard Gibbs (February 11, 1839 – April 28, 1903) was an American mathematical physicist who contributed much of the theoretical foundation that led to the development of chemical thermodynamics and was one of the founders of vector analysis. From 1871 until his death, he held the chair of mathematical physics at Yale.

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February 11 - 1839 - April 28 - 1903 - American - Mathematical physicist - Chemical thermodynamics - Vector analysis - 1871 - Yale

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Between 1876 and 1878 Gibbs wrote a series of papers collectively entitled "On the Equilibrium of Heterogeneous Substances", considered one of the greatest achievements in physical science in the 19th century and the foundation of the science of physical chemistry. In these papers Gibbs applied thermodynamics to the interpretation of physicochemical phenomena and showed the explanation and interrelationship of what had been known only as isolated, inexplicable facts. http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761573954/Gibbs_J(osiah)_Willard.html "It is universally recognised that its publication was an event of the first importance in the history of chemistry. ... Nevertheless it was a number of years before its value was generally known, this delay was due largely to the fact that its mathematical form and rigorous deductive processes make it difficult reading for any one, and especially so for students of experimental chemistry whom it most concerns... " http://www.shsu.edu/~icc_cmf/bio/gibbs.html

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1876 - 1878 - 19th century - Physical chemistry - Thermodynamics - Chemistry - Experimental

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Gibbs' scientific career can be divided into four phases. Up until 1879, he worked on the theory of thermodynamics. From 1880 to 1884, he worked on the field of vector analysis. From 1882 to 1889, he worked on optics and the electromagnetic theory of light. After 1889, he worked on statistical mechanics, laying it on firm foundation and "providing a mathematical framework for quantum theory and for Maxwell's theories" http://www.shsu.edu/~icc_cmf/bio/gibbs.html;

Related Topics:
1879 - Thermodynamics - 1880 - 1884 - Vector analysis - 1882 - 1889 - Optics - Electromagnetic theory - Light - Statistical mechanics - Quantum theory - Maxwell's - Theories

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he also produced classic textbooks on the matter.

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