Reflections on the Motive Power of Fire," along with other papers in this volume, laid the foundation of modern thermodynamics. Highly readable, "Reflections" contains no arguments that depend on calculus, consisting mostly of statements couched in exact language. It represents a tribute to Carnot's capacity to generalize, and to see fundamental processes at work in complex mechanisms.
"Reflections on the Motive Power of Fire" examines the relation between heat and the work done by heat in high- and low-pressure steam engines, air-engines, and an internal combustion machine. Carnot established conditions for the economical working of these engines and invented the closed cycle of operations. He realized that in any engine, the amount of work done by heat is determined solely by the range of temperature through which it fell in the operation. He extended the ideas of his father, Lazare Carnot, on mechanics to thermal processes, deriving statements on the impossibility of perpetual motion and the need to avoid irreversible changes.
Little notice was paid to this book upon its 1824 publication; ten years later, Emile Clapeyron's more analytical paper on the same subject received wider attention. This English translation includes selections from Carnot's posthumous manuscripts and a paper by Rudolf Clausius that rewrote Carnot's results in a terminology that distinguished between change of entropy and quantity of heat.

A topsy-turvy kingdom turns right-side up when Princess Batilda discovers a priceless treasure. Come and see the delightful things that can happen to a princess who learns to say, "I'm sorry." Smile after smile awaits the reader in this picture book, from watching a princess you can't help love because of all the chaos she causes throughout the castle, to her "coming of age" when she realizes the importance of that very special word, "Sorry." Neither the king nor queen nor princes from nearby kingdoms could teach her that, only the boy in the background who knew her worth. A darling story, well worth reading. -Shirley Shibley, contributor to Clubhouse, Bread for God's Children, and other periodicals. The fun-filled text and delightful illustrations will help readers of Princess Batilda understand, in a captivating way, why it's so very important to say "I'm sorry." The surprise ending is touching. A great gift for a young child. -Marjorie Flathers, frequent contributor to the Kids' Reading Room page in the Los Angeles Times and many other publications Beguiling artwork and a sure-fire plot make Princess Batilda a winner. Young readers will appreciate this simple story that tells a not-so-simple truth. -Marilyn Donahue, recipient of the Chariot Book Award for The Crooked Gate (David C. Cook) Princess Batilda is always causing havoc in the kingdom but she refuses to say, "I'm sorry." This delightful tale of the consequences of never saying you're sorry will charm child and parent alike. The unexpected twist at the end of the story makes it even more delightful. -Gloria McQueen Stockstill, author of four board books including The Basket in the River, To the Town of Bethlehem, The Blind Man by the Road, and Jesus Rose on Easter Morn. Princess Batilda is a charming story on the importance of saying "I'm sorry" and the faithfulness of true friendship. Told with tenderness, this tale is sure to be a favorite for the little princesses and princes we cherish so much. -Veronica Walsh, illustrator for Too Many Visitors for One Little House