Page:Scientific Papers of Josiah Willard Gibbs.djvu/124

88 If we differentiate (93) in the most general manner, and compare the result with (86), we obtain  Hence, there is a relation between the $$n+2$$ quantities $$t, p, \mu_{1}, \mu_{2}, ... \mu_{n}$$, which, if known, will enable us to find in terms of these quantities all the ratios of the $$n+2$$ quantities $$\eta, v, m_{1}, m_{2}, ... m_{n}$$. With (93), this will make $$n+3$$ independent relations between the same $$2n+5$$ variables as at first.

Any equation, therefore, between the quantities     is a fundamental equation, and any such is entirely equivalent to any other. For any homogeneous mass whatever, considered (in general) as variable in composition, in quantity, and in thermodynamic state, and having $$n$$ independently variable components, to which the subscript numerals refer (but not excluding the case in which $$n=1$$ and the composition of the body is invariable), there is a relation between the quantities enumerated in any one of the above sets, from which, if known, with the aid only of general principles and relations, we may deduce all the relations subsisting for such a mass between the quantities $$\epsilon, \psi, \chi, \zeta, \eta, m_{1}, m_{2},...m_{n}, t, p, \mu_{1}, \mu_{2}, \mu_{n}$$. It will be observed that, besides the equations which define $$\psi, \chi$$, and $$\zeta$$, there is one finite equation, (93), which subsists between these quantities independently of the form of the fundamental equation.