Josiah W. Gibbs: American Theoretical Physicist
Author:
Benedict A. Leerburger, Jr.
Publication:
1963 by Franklin Watts, Inc
Genre:
Biography, Non-fiction, Science
Series:
Immortals of Science 
Members Only (U.S. History)
Pages:
118
Current state:
This book has been evaluated and information added. It has not been read and content considerations may not be complete.
Book Guide
JOSIAH WILLARD GIBBS, who is regarded as one of the founders of physical chemistry, was for many years Professor of Mathematical Physics at Yale. At a time when the technology of steam engineering was half a century ahead of its theoretical understanding, Gibbs applied his brilliant mind to the complex problems of thermodynamics. His most famous contribution was the "phase rule" or law determining the number of physical phases or states possible in a specific system in equilibrium. In 1901 he received the Royal Society's coveted Copley Medal for his work in theoretical science. Gibbs was a shy and retiring man, and his work was little understood in his own time. Only today is his name receiving the just fame it so richly deserves.
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Benedict A. Leerburger, Jr.
1932 -American
BENEDICT A. LEERBURGER, JR., is the author of numerous science articles and is a member of the National Association of Science Writers. He has also ... See more
Josiah W. Gibbs: American Theoretical Physicist 
Reprinted in 2025 by Purple House Press
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Reviews
The Immortals of Science Series
Reviewed by Sara Masarik
These books are of varying lengths based on how much is known about the lives of the subject. Whatever the length, I sped through each one as though it were a suspense novel. How will this one manage to carry on his work in the midst of civil war? How can that one earn the respect of the scientific community so his work can be published for the world? What will be the exciting sequence of events that will lead to the ultimate breakthrough? Will he live long enough to find the answer he has searched for all his life?
The science in these books is written in language any curious reader will be able to understand. The authors don’t condescend, but the writing is not above a confident reader, perhaps ten and above. They would also be interesting enough for reading aloud so they can be shared with the entire family, whatever their ages.
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