Moving from the steam engine to the nuclear age, Atkins shows how the second law of thermodynamics - a single, simple principle of energy transformation - encompasses all elements of natural change. His book features examples, ideas and images, but virtually no mathematics.

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"Atkins has set out to open the doors of understanding. He has succeeded quite admirably." New Scientist Moving from the steam engine to the nuclear age, and with virtually no mathematics, Atkins shows how the second law of thermodynamics - a single, simple principle of energy transformation - encompasses all elements of natural change.