This introductory chapter traces the development of the molecular theory of fluids as it has evolved over roughly the last 200 years. Many of the modern variations of molecular theory applied to fluids originated in the last quarter of...
moreThis introductory chapter traces the development of the molecular theory of fluids as it has evolved over roughly the last 200 years. Many of the modern variations of molecular theory applied to fluids originated in the last quarter of the 1800s with the contributions of van der Waals; this chapter is organized to reflect that fact. The overview of present day techniques presented here includes brief discussions of theoretical, experimental, and computer simulation methods. The intent is to provide some historical perspective for the remainder of this volume.
