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It was not in extremely poor condition. The book had several highlightings and things written inside. However, I expected "like new" condition and was disappointed. The item was not as described. It was definitely not "like new" since there was quite a bit of wear and markings on the cover and the pages were yellowed.
A good example is the two page proof that the number of microstates in n particles, if each can range from 0 to q, whereas the sum of all must add up to q, is n + q - 1 CHOOSE q. I'm not just talking rigorous. This can be proved (just as formally) in about 3 lines, while being much more intuitive. Overcomplicated. The entire book.
Between Salinger, Callen, and Reichl, one might begin to get a handle on the subject, but not one of these books is the *definitive* text on the subject. That wasn't very helpful."This book sits in my library next to the Callen text on thermo and stat mech. Well, that about sums up my feelings for this text. I haven't found that one yet. I am left with expectations unfulfilled, wondering if I was missing something. Not very useful.That was my first impression of this book.
You'd probably say my review wasn't very helpful. I also have a copy of Reichl's stat mech text. Suppose I had left my review to the three words above. I usually put it back on the shelf and move to the next book, thinking "Hmm. I would suggest that if one is looking for yet another reference text, put this one in the number 2 or number 3 slot on your list. You would have been left with an empty feeling with expectations unfulfilled, wondering if there was more to it than just those words.
Every time I open it for reference, I read a few pages, looking for something that just doesn't seem to be there.
Very clear with a nice set of problems. This is the best introductory thermo, stat mech book available.
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