vi FOREWORD 



Volume II, "Theoretical Physics", contains an analysis, appre- 

 ciation and interpretation of Gibbs' work in this field, espe- 

 cially his statistical mechanics, and, in addition, a discussion 

 of the relation of Gibbs' statistics to the modern quantum statis- 

 tics. The volumes are separately indexed and except for a few 

 cross-references are entirely independent of each other. 



May this commentary, the product of devoted and conscien- 

 tious labors on the part of its authors and editors, prove truly 

 helpful to those who wish to follow the paths opened up by 

 Willard Gibbs, and promote a better and more widespread 

 appreciation of the value of his services to science. 



The Committee on the Gihhs Commentary 

 John Johnston 

 Herbert S. Harned 

 Leigh Page 

 William F. G. Swann 

 Ralph G. Van Name, Chairman 

 Yale University 

 May, 1936 



