Suggests that the story of Professor Blondlot could be used to underline the nature of the scientific method. Blondlot claimed to have discovered N-rays in 1903, and was subsequently supported by many French scientists. Scientists from other countries were unable to verify his experiments and thus discredited his claim. (JR)

Experiments performed at Brookhaven National Laboratories on the energy states of free atoms are described. Included are the techniques and the significance of the measurements. (Author/TS)

An attempt to empirically test conflicting hypotheses on whether scientific discoveries are the result of research by many or few scientists. The data, drawn from physics, supports the hypothesis that physicists making important discoveries depend on the research of a relatively small number of scientists. (Author/JB)

Addresses questions of the philosophy of computer use that cut across various specialities, providing examples to make these distinctions clear. Topics considered include numerical analysis, simulations, software, Fortran computer language, and hardware. Indicates that computers do more than analyze experimentors' data. (JN)

Experimentalists in particle physics have long regarded computers as essential components of their apparatus. Theorists are now finding that significant advances in some areas can be accomplished only in partnership with a machine. Needs of experimentalists, interests of theorists, and specialized computers for high-energy experiments are…

Discusses contributions of computers to research in magnetic and inertial-confinement fusion, charged-particle-beam propogation, and space sciences. Considers use in design/control of laboratory and spacecraft experiments and in data acquisition; and reviews major plasma computational methods and some of the important physics problems they…

Discusses the nature of physics by examining what physicists do in relation to what mathematicians, chemists, and biologists do. Also discusses the future of physics and physics education, focusing on four frontiers waiting for a breakthrough. These include high energy, many degrees of freedom, life, and zero-time frontiers. (JN)

Compares and contrasts industrial and university physics departments, focusing on the group dynamics and work environment of a corporate physics (General Motors). A major difference between these departments lies in the motivation for and evaluation of research, not in the selection of research topics. (Author/JN)

Traces the development of quantum field theory over the last 50 years beginning with the research of Paul Dirac. Includes past and current research endeavors of various scientists. (JN)

Focuses on past achievements of physicists beginning with the discovery of gaseous nebulae and listing seven commonly found characteristics of this and other observational discoveries which can foster further discovery. Suggests how theory is related to observation and where physicists make their greatest contributions to astronomy. (Author/JN)

In a first-hand description of accelerator experiments on nuclei of mass three, the ideas that led to the development of acceleration mass spectrometry are traced. (Author)

Summarizes some recent scientific achievements in particle physics, bioinorganic chemistry, geology, and the life sciences. Discusses research as it applies to the needs of society, including areas of concern for the future. Describes the role of the National Science Foundation as supporting research and education in the sciences and engineering.…

Points out that quantum mechanics interpretations, using Heisenberg's Uncertainty Relations for the position and momentum of an electron, have their drawbacks. The interpretations are limited to the Schrodinger theory and fail to take into account either spin or relativity. Shows why spin cannot be ignored. (Author/GA)

From data gathered in interviews, four major areas of influence that dominated the decision of British college students to undertake doctoral research work have been determined: love of physics, love of university life, lack of alternatives (particulary job alternatives), and drift. (JMD)