Mathematical Statistical Mechanics

Includes Bibliography & Index

Kinetic theory --
Thermodynamics --
The Gibbs ensembles and the thermodynamic limit --
Phase transitions and critical points --
The Ising model: algebraic approach --
The Ising model: combinatorial approach --
Some applications of the Ising model to biology --
Appendixes: A. Measure-theoretic statement of Liouville's theorem --
B. Ergodic theory and the microcanonical ensemble --
C. Lebowitz-Penrose theorem for magnetic systems --
D. Algebraic derivation of the partition function for a two-dimensional Ising model --
E. Combinatorial solution of the Dimer and Ising problems in two dimensions.

While most introductions to statistical mechanics are either too mathematical or too physical, Colin Thompson's book combines mathematical rigor with familiar physical materials. Following introductory chapters on kinetic theory, thermodynamics, the Gibbs ensembles, and the thermodynamic limit, later chapters discuss the classical theories of phase transitions, the Ising model, algebraic methods and combinatorial methods for solving the two-dimensional model in zero field, and some applications of the Ising model to biology.

Originally published in 1979.

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