Don't take it personally if he sometimes seems a bit gruff. He really puts up with a lot from some truly nasty posters. All of the academic scientists do when they post information for our benefit. This is deplorable, but it seems to be something we're stuck with in the science threads. Someone of his academic standing has a great deal to offer, and we're fortunate that he spends time with us.

I'm sure your right about this, Patrick. And I do apologize to the Professor.

However, in my own defense, I must say this. While I haven't the slightest doubt that RWP is a first-rate scientist and I am not, he could at least have given me the credit for knowing that Newton has a second law of motion, as well as a second law of thermodynamics. From the context in which I was writing, it should have been crystal clear to him that I was speaking of the latter. The word "entropy" came up, and that should have been the tip-off.

In short, RWP's comments seemed like a gratuitous swipe at me. Forgive me for noticing, but this stratagem is often used around here, not to advance reasoned, civil discourse, but to to shut down the debate altogether. I have very little patience for that sort of thing.

Thanks for your very kind and kindly-meant intercession here, Patrick.

While I haven't the slightest doubt that RWP is a first-rate scientist and I am not, he could at least have given me the credit for knowing that Newton has a second law of motion, as well as a second law of thermodynamics. From the context in which I was writing, it should have been crystal clear to him that I was speaking of the latter. The word "entropy" came up, and that should have been the tip-off.

To be honest, "entropy" never came up in your post and I too, was lost when you talked about Boltzmann "reinterpreting" Newton's second law (remember my post?)

Newton has a second law of motion, as well as a second law of thermodynamics.

Aaargh! I guess I need to repeat this yet again!

Newton had nothing to do with the Second Law of Thermodynamics.