William John Macquorn Rankine Quotes

A collection of quotes by William John Macquorn Rankine.

William John Macquorn Rankine was a Scottish engineer and physicist, born in 1820. He made significant contributions to thermodynamics, engineering, and mathematics. Rankine is best known for his work on the mechanical theory of heat, where he formulated the concept of thermodynamic potential. He also developed the Rankine cycle, a method for converting heat into work in power plants, which is widely used to this day. Additionally, he made important contributions to civil engineering, particularly in the field of structural analysis and engineering materials. Rankine's lasting influence on scientific and engineering disciplines continues to be celebrated.

This law (regarding the theoretical efficiency of heat engin

This law (regarding the theoretical efficiency of heat engines by Mr. Joule), and the law of the maximum efficiency of heat engines, are particular cases of a general law which regulates all transformation of energy, and is the basis of the Science of Energetics.

William John Macquorn Rankine


Discrepancy between theory and practice, which in sound phys

Discrepancy between theory and practice, which in sound physical and mechanical science is a delusion, has a real existence in the minds of men; and that fallacy, through rejected by their judgments, continues to exert and influence over their acts.

William John Macquorn Rankine

Men Science Mind Sound