This textbook and reference outlines the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, emphasizing applications in geochemistry. The work is distinguished by its comprehensive, balanced coverage and its rigorous presentation. The authors bring years of teaching experience to the work, and have attempted to particularly address those areas where other texts on the subject have provided inadequate coverage. A thorough review of the necessary mathematics is presented early on, both as a refresher for those with a background in university calculus, and for the benefit of those coming to the subject for the first time. The text is written for students in advanced undergraduate or graduate-level geochemistry as well as for all researchers in this field.

Greg M. Anderson's profile page

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Greg M. Anderson is at University of Toronto. David A. Crerar is at Princeton University.

"Offers insight for both [novice and veteran]. This is a book that every geochemist will want to own. It is well written and provides a nearly complete coverage of geochemical thermodynamics. Its rigorous mathematical development, careful attention to definitions... extensive analysis of various cases...make it an indispensable reference book for the professional. These same features make it equally good as a textbook... Develops the mathematical basis of thermodynamics in a rigorous way; it is an excellent textbook." -- Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta

"The authors have written the kind of textbook that they would have liked to have had when they were students. The writing is graceful and personal, even when the presentation is math. . . . the interested student will treasure the book." --Chemical Monographs Review

"A combination of historical, postulational, and statistical approaches is used to present the subject, with ample examples of a geochemical nature. The logic and the presentations are clear and easy to follow, and, in this respect, this is an excellent quality book for geochemists." --Economic Geology

"Provides an innovative, careful, and complete development of the subtleties of thermodynamics that anyone seeking an understanding of phase equilibria in a wide variety of earth processes needs to grasp. . . . a cohesive treatise with well-explained examples. I imagine it will become the standard text for teaching the basics of thermodynamics as well as introducing more advanced models of solution theory. It will also likely become a classic reference for working scientists." --Science

"Thermodynamics in Geochemistry is written in the personal style of a teacher who genuinely wants students to understand the subtleties of putting thermodynamic theory into geochemical practice. ... The book is evidently the product of significant teaching experience, particularly with regards to concepts that many students find difficult." -- American Mineralogist

"Everyone practicing thermodynamics will find something of interest here....It will take an honored place on my own shelf." -- Canadian Mineralogist

"Deserves to find its way into the hands of almost anyone who uses thermodynamics in the field of geochemistry or petrology....Has been designed to be fairly comprehensive for the student new to thermodynamics....Probably the main strength of this book...is the bias given towards aqueous electrolyte thermodynamics, a topic which has seen significant advances in recent years and tends to be rather daunting for the newcomer to break into....I would give this book a strong recommendation....It does make a very good and clear introduction to the more geochemical aspects of the subject in a very readable way. I think it deserves to be a great success." --Geology Magazine