Preface

the prevailing hostile mood toward it might temporarily fall into oblivion—as, for example, the wave theory original: "Undulationstheorie"; the theory that light travels in waves once did due to the authority of Newton.

I am well aware of how powerless the individual remains against the currents of time. However, in order to contribute what is within my power so that not too much will have to be rediscovered when people eventually return to the gas theory The kinetic theory of gases, which explains macroscopic properties through molecular motion, I have included in the present book even the most difficult parts of the gas theory, those most subject to misunderstanding. I have attempted to provide a representation of these, at least in their basic outlines, that is as easily understandable as possible. To be sure, I must ask for forgiveness if some chapters have become somewhat long-winded as a result, since a reasonably precise presentation of these theories is likely not possible without a corresponding apparatus of formulas Formelapparat: the complex mathematical framework and equations required to prove physical theories.

I owe special thanks to Dr. Hans Benndorf for the compilation of numerous literary resources during my absence from Vienna.