The discovery of a superconducting organic compound is reported. The compound, (TMTSF)-2, has no metal in its composition, and the author believes that it is the precursor of a family of superconducting organics. (Author/SA)

Discusses the role of the Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory of the Massachusetts of Technology, and its significance in the world of research. Applications of research on magnetism to medicine are emphasized. (SA)

Comments on the significance of a brief 1909 article on physics instruction written by John Dewey for the "Symposium on the Purpose and Organization of Physics Teaching in Secondary Schools." Includes the article itself. (SK)

It is shown that the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) significantly predicted standing in a specialized course at the college level, lending credence to its criterion-related validity. The paper is based on a study of accelerated students pursuing a combined baccalaureate and professional program of medicine. (CE)

The correct usage of such terminology as "Rayleigh scattering,""Rayleigh lines,""Raman lines," and "Tyndall scattering" is resolved during an historical excursion through the physics of light-scattering by gas molecules. (Author/JN)

The consistency of ratings between different sections of a course taught in a given semester by the same instructor is examined, and the performance of global and attribute-type instructor rating items are compared. Five samples of physics instructors were rated by their students. (Author/MLW)

A one-semester hour laboratory course introduced junior and senior physics majors to assembly language programing and to interfacing KIM-1 microcomputer to experiments. A general purpose interface to a standard breadboard was developed. Course details, apparatus, and some interfacing projects are given. (Author/SK)

Discusses the use of a microcomputer/mini-floppy disk system by physics students to store and analyze experimental data and exchange messages with the lab instructor. Also discusses other uses, in particular those fostering critical thinking and hypothetico-deductive reasoning. (Author/SK)

Describes a microcomputer-based multichannel analyzer (MCA) in which the front end is connected to a microcomputer through a custom interface. Thus an MCA System of 1024 channel resolution, programmable in Basic rather than in machine language and having moderate cost, is achieved. (Author/SK)

Discusses three topics which should be included in any "basic" course in geometrical optics: (1) reflection; (2) refraction; and (3) image formation. (SK)

On the occasion of the publication of the fifth edition of his book "The Milky Way," the author presents information on this galaxy and his life-long interest and research in this area. (SK)

Discusses a new technique that enables spectroscopists to study gas phase molecules at temperatures below 1 K, without traditional cryogenic apparatus. This technique uses supersonic jets as samples for gas molecular spectroscopy. Highlighted are points in the theory of supersonic flow which are important for applications in molecular…

Describes procedures for measuring the reverberation time in rooms which have been used for classroom demonstrations, and by nonscience students taking a course in musical acoustics. (Author/CS)

This collection of notes describes (1) an optoelectronic apparatus for classroom demonstrations of mechanical laws, (2) a more efficient method for demonstrated nuclear chain reactions using electrically energized "traps" and ping-pong balls, and (3) an inexpensive demonstration for qualitative analysis of temperature-dependent resistance. (CS)

A senior nuclear physicist examines the status of nuclear power in the 1980s, projects the future beyond 2030, and argues that the world cannot do without nuclear fission. (BT)