Answer
**Thermodynamics**, the study of energy in relation to heat, work, and temperature, owes much to the foundational contributions of Sadi Carnot. His profound insights, notably expressed in his seminal work "Reflections on the Motive Power of Fire", lay the groundwork for the discipline. Carnot's analysis of the efficiency of heat engines and his exploration of the concept of reversibility continue to shape our understanding of energy transformations and power generation.