Sadi Carnot was a French physicist and engineer born on June 1, 1796. He is best known for his foundational work in the field of thermodynamics, particularly for his 1824 publication titled "Reflections on the Motive Power of Fire." In this work, he introduced the concept of the ideal heat engine, which laid the groundwork for understanding how heat can be converted into work. Carnot's ideas led to the formulation of the Carnot cycle, a theoretical model that describes the most efficient possible engine operating between two heat reservoirs. His contributions significantly influenced later scientists, including William Thomson (Lord Kelvin) and Rudolf Clausius, shaping modern thermodynamic principles. Carnot died on August 24, 1832, at the young age of 36.