Nicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot. (An inspiration for every mechanical engineering student) The applications of the laws of thermodynamics has led to the discovery of important machines like automobile, ships, airplanes , refrigerator, air-conditioner, etc. A young man, Nicholas Leonard Sadi Carnot of 36 years of age is considered to be the father of thermodynamics. Nicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot, the son of high-ranking military leader Lazare Nicholas Marguerite Carnot, was born in Paris in 1796.Nicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot was born in Paris into a family that was distinguished in both science and politics. He was the first son of Lazare Nicholas Marguerite Carnot, an eminent mathematician, military engineer and leader of the French Revolutionary Army.His father resigned from the army in 1807 to educate Nicolas and his brother Hippolyte—both re...