At first almost ignored and unread, Sadi Carnot's analysis of heat engines--published 150 years ago--contained ideas and methods that were developed later by Clausius and Thomson. Carnot's ideas and their influence on later science are discussed. (Author/RH)

This historical survey describes the contributions made to the field of physics by the National Bureau of Standards since its inception in 1901. Four broad areas are emphasized: nuclear physics, thermal physics (including cryogenics), spectroscopy and fundamental constants. (BT)

Explains efficiency in terms of thermodynamics, and states specific ways in which energy efficiency can be increased in the following areas: automobiles, industrial processes, and indoor use in the home. (MLH)

Describes how microcomputers can perform very demanding/large-scale physics calculations at speeds not much slower than those of modern, full-size computers. Among the examples provided are a Monte Carlo simulation of the three-dimensional Ising model and a program (for the Apple microcomputer) using the time-independent Schrodinger Equation. (JN)

Discusses how physics was done at the University of California at Berkeley in the 1930s, focusing on the faculty and their accomplishments, physics experiments, physics instruments/equipment (cyclotron and rhumbatron), and research problems and their solutions. Includes reminiscences about lectures on thermodynamics presented by Otto Stern during…

Discusses elementary excitations and their role in condensed matter physics, focusing on quantum plasma, helium liquids, and superconductors. Considers research primarily conducted in the 1950s and concludes with a brief survey of some closely related further developments. (Author/JN)