Thermo-dynamics of stationary systems II—The diffusion element

Continuing the analysis of stationary states, we find that the thermodynamics of the diffusion element seem to be even more wanting in clarity than the thermo-dynamics of the thermo-element. In the theory of the diffusion element we notice first of all the absence of a general thermo-dynamic treatment comparable to the treatment which Boltzmann worked out for thermo-element. Instead of that we find the statements of the osmotic theory which, so far as the diffusion element is concerned, are expressed neither in a purely thermo-dynamic nor in a purely dynamic form, and remain, on this account, in a rather uncertain relation to thermo-dynamic principles. This causes an absence of any resemblance whatsoever between the formal results of the current theories dealing with the two stationary states.