Lazare and Sadi Carnot. A scientific and filial relationship (Q5920284)

This wonderful volume is, indeed, a unique work which clearly shows how the two Carnots (father Lazare and son Sadi) effectively influenced each other in their research work in mechanics and thermodynamics as well as how the later generations of scientific scholars got immense benefit therefrom. An unusual scientific and filial relationship that existed here is efficiently and extensively exhibited with extremely careful craftsmanship. Apart from the traditional items of foreword, preface and acknowledgments, the book contain 11 chapters with several sections and subsections. There is one appendix and notes on manuscripts and documents followed by special images of the Carnot family in 15 nice portraits. The references run over 27 pages, and finally the authors present an analytic index: names and subjects through 22 pages. The total coverage is quite deep and wide keeping the whole contribution at the highest level possible. Chapter one is a biographical sketch of the main hero, Lazare Carnot. The science of mechanics together with the concept of work is covered in the next chapter. The development of Carnot's mechanics with a comparison to the work of the son Sadi Carnot is treated then. The fourth chapter describes the Carnot approach to mechanics of work and power, where engineering mechanics and applied mechanics are briefly gone into. Then a justification of algebra and calculus is covered. In the sixth chapter we have the history and historiography of Sadi Carnot's thermodynamics comprising several valuable and very interesting scientific views of the son -- mathematician and physicist. Chapter seven is on principles of Sadi's thermodynamics including many captivating items. ``What are the scientific roots of Sadi Carnot's cycle'' is the question briefly answered in the ensuing part of the text. Next comes the historical epistemology of thermodynamics where the mathematics in Sadi Carnot's theory is described in detail. Chapter ten is devoted to a comprehensive treatment involving studies and heritage of ``reflexions sur la puissance motrice du feu'' with a number of significant quotations of the original writings of some famous science personalities. The final chapter includes the ending remarks on the scientific relationship between ``père et fils''. Here, certain topics of everlasting importance in science are touched upon in a brief but beautiful manner. On the whole, this grand compendium of eventful historical facts and truly great scientific merit deserves everyone's sincere appreciation and approbation for such a unique peak-quality work.