Thermodynamics and living systems: problems and paradigms.
The utility of thermodynamic laws in biological systems is reviewed. The joint historical development of thermodynamics and of respiratory physiology in the 19th century is surveyed. From first principles of thermodynamics, problems are noted in their application to physiological calorimetry.
Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans, LA 70148.
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Welch
D002151:Calorimetry; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005060:Europe; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D013816:Thermodynamics