Boltzmann played an important role in the acceptance of thermodynamic theories, particularly the second law of thermodynamics. He is given equal credit with James Clerk Maxwell for the discovery of the kinetic theory of gases. In addition, he developed methods for exploring mechanics and physics, and he is generally recognized as the founder of statistical mechanics.

Boltzmann was born in Vienna and was educated in Vienna and Linz, attending college at the University of Vienna. After receiving his Ph.D. in 1866, he was appointed to numerous professorial posts, mostly between the universities of Vienna and Graz.

While still a student, Boltzmann became interested in the newly developed fields of mechanics and thermodynamics. Boltzmann wrote his first paper on Maxwell's kinetic theories in 1859 and continued to research in this field for years; sometimes he responded to Maxwell 's work, sometimes he extended it, always offering new insight.

It was...