Discrepancy between theory and practice, which in sound physical and mechanical science is a delusion, has a real existence in the minds of men; and …

- William John Macquorn Rankine

A hypothetical theory is necessary, as a preliminary step, to reduce the expression of the phenomena to simplicity and order before it is possible to…

- William John Macquorn Rankine

It is possible to express the laws of thermodynamics in the form of independent principles , deduced by induction from the facts of observation and e…

- William John Macquorn Rankine

In thermodynamics as well as in other branches of molecular physics , the laws of phenomena have to a certain extent been anticipated, and their inve…

- William John Macquorn Rankine

The words 'theory' and 'practice' are of Greek origin; they carry our thoughts back to the ancient philosophers by whom they were contrived, and by w…

- William John Macquorn Rankine

The hypothesis of molecular vortices is defined to be that which assumes - that each atom of matter consists of a nucleus or central point enveloped …

- William John Macquorn Rankine

The laws of thermodynamics may be regarded as particular cases of more general laws, applicable to all such states of matter as constitute Energy , o…

- William John Macquorn Rankine

The law of the Conservation of Energy is already known — viz., that the sum of all the energies of the universe, actual and potential, is unchangeabl…

- William John Macquorn Rankine

This law (regarding the theoretical efficiency of heat engines by Mr. Joule), and the law of the maximum efficiency of heat engines, are particular c…

- William John Macquorn Rankine