After a longer delay than originally expected, I am able to present here
the next volume in the series of Methods of Experimental Physics: the
first part of the “Nuclear Physics” Methods. Much thought .and work
went into this volume and I am in the best position to appreciate all the
effort of my fellow editors who devoted so much time in preparing this
particular volume. The aims of the publication did not change. The
reception of the earlier volumes had proven that it was really useful to
concentrate on “a concise, well illustrated presentation of the most important
methods, or general principles, needed by the experimenter, complete
with basic references for further reading. Indication of limitations of both
applicability and accuracy is an important part of the presentation.
Information about the interpretation of experiments, about the evaluation
of errors, and about the validity of approximations should also be
given. The book should not be merely a description of laboratory techniques,
nor should it be a catalog of instruments.” In these troubled times,
when furthering of scientific education is so important, we hope that these
volumes can be of real help as well to the educator, as to the research
worker.