Statistical Mechanics of Almost One-dimensional Systems

A method is described whereby the classical configuration integral of statistical mechanics can be evaluated with any desired accuracy for almost one� dimensional systems with forces of finite range. The systems contemplated are those in which the molecules or atoms can in any given configuration be ordered serially in such a way that a given molecule may be considered as mteracting only with a definite number of neighbours. This kind of model would be appropriate for example for adsorption of gas molecules in very fine Clipillaries. The results are also of importance in connection ith the " tunnel" model for dense fluids and may have other applications as a basis for approximate treatments of real three�dimell8ional systems.