The present edition of this little work is improved by the removal of a
few errata observed in the first issue, and by the addition of a recent
and excellent portrait of Lord Kelvin, as a frontispiece to his
era-making paper, at page 127. This picture, taken within the last year,
is thought by the friends of its distinguished subject to be one of the
best yet produced. That it is satisfactory to him and his friends is
indicated by the fact that the original of this reproduction was
presented to the writer by Lady Kelvin, in 1895, immediately after it
was taken, and the autograph supplied by her distinguished husband. The
Editor takes this occasion to acknowledge cordially the letters of
appreciation and commendation received from those who have agreed with
M. Haton de la Goupillière that the translation of Carnot and its
publication in this manner, with the famous paper of Lord Kelvin, will
be considered as worthy of approval by English-speaking readers as well
as “appreciated by the whole French nation.”
I.
THE WORK OF SADI CARNOT.