Einstein's quantum theory of the monatomic ideal gas: non-statistical arguments for a new statistics (Q711450)

The authors analyse the third of the three papers, in which Einstein presented his quantum theory of ideal gas (1924-1925). The third paper by Einstein has rarely been mentioned whereas the first two papers have been extensively referred and commented upon. The authors argue for the significance of Einstein's third paper. They discuss Einstein's motivation for writing a non-combinational paper, partly in response to the criticism by his friend Ehrenfest. The possible role of Ehrenfest in gestation of the theory of monoatomic ideal gas is also investigated. Some conjectures are formulated as to why this paper met cold reception despite its historical and systematic interest. The paper also contains a chronology of the presentation and publication of Einstein's quantum theory of the monoatomic ideal gas(QTMIG) and some related facts.