The Definition of Entropy

Abstract

FROM time to time controversies have appeared in various journals regarding that most difficult of all physical conceptions—entropy. I have purposely avoided passing any opinions as to the merits of the views of different writers, as I have considered the question far too large a one to be dealt with satisfactorily by destructive criticism directed towards particular points. I have, however, now found a definition of entropy which certainly appears to meet most of the objections to the conventional treatment. That definition may be stated somewhat as follows:—