Part two - general and theoretical chapter III molecular and ionic interactions in dielectrics

This year witnessed a decline in the number of publications from many investigators from whom we have come to expect one or two papers annually on molecular and ionic interactions in dielectrics. On the other hand, an enormous increase in dielectric studies is appearing in the literature of India, Japan, and the USSR. Hungary and Yugoslavia have also begun to report serious studies. Because the dielectric-solution technique is a simple, inexpensive method of teaching and studying the configuration of molecules, it is a superlative entree into physical chemistry and is probably being used by some of these nations in their efforts to industrialize. In view of this, it is not unexpected to find that a considerable amount of the work reported is pedestrian and would normally be reported in internal reports or “house organs”. Some investigators, especially those using the techniques of dielectric spectroscopy, have a tendency in their enthusiasm to overextend their findings. In many cases the resolution of their techniques is not high; experience will probably temper their ardor.