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We can thus, in the transformation in question, obtain an appropriate
number which will sum up that which may be expected from the external
effect, and can give, so to speak, the price at which this
transformation is bought, measure its invariable value by a common
measure (for instance, the melting of the ice), and, without any
ambiguity, define the energy lost during the transformation as
proportional to the mass of ice which can be associated with it. This
measure is, moreover, independent of the particular phenomenon taken
as the common measure.

Sec. 3. THE PRINCIPLE OF CARNOT AND CLAUSIUS
The principle of Carnot, of a nature analogous to the principle of the
conservation of energy, has also a similar origin. It was first
enunciated, like the last named, although prior to it in time, in
consequence of considerations which deal only with heat and mechanical
work. Like it, too, it has evolved, grown, and invaded the entire
domain of physics. It may be interesting to examine rapidly the
various phases of this evolution.


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