In terminology, thermo-dynamic, a conjunction of the parts 'thermo-' (1663) and '-dynamic' (1827), is a term used in 1849 by Scottish mathematical physicist William Thomson in reference to a Carnot engine, one that is reversible.
Overview
In 1849, Scottish mathematical physicist William Thomson, in his "An Account of Carnot's Theory of the Motive Power of Heat", stated: [1]
“A perfect thermo-dynamic engine is such that, whatever amount of mechanical effect derived from a certain thermal agency; if an equal amount be spent in working backwards, an equal reverse thermal effect will be produced.”
Thomson would later go on to be the first to coin the term "thermo-dynamics" as a subject in 1854.
References
1. (a) Thomson, William. (1849). “An Account of Carnot’s Theory of the Motive Power of Heat; with Numerical Results Deduced from Regnault’s Experiments on Steam”, Transactions of the Edinburgh Royal Society (pgs. 127-203) , xiv.; Annales de Chime, xxxv. 1852; in: Mathematical and Physical Papers (1832-1911), Volume 1 (pg. 119). Publisher.
(b) Bynum, W.F. and Porter, Roy. (2005). Oxford Dictionary of Scientific Quotations (pg. 579). Oxford University Press.
External links
● Thermodynamic explained (2 articles) – Helium.com.
