William Rankine has been credited with many things derived from his brilliant career, with perhaps the most unique being the transition of his empirical work into scientific theories published for the benefit of engineering students. He is considered the author of the modern philosophy of the steam engine and also the greatest among all founders of and contributors to the science of thermodynamics.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 5, 1820, Rankine received most of his education from his father, David Rankine, a civil engineer, plus various private tutors. The elder Rankine worked as superintendent for the Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway, imparting to his son a love of steam engines. On top of this fine education came two inspiring years at the University of Edinburgh, which helped launch his career in civil engineering, even though he left without earning a degree. He...