Microstructure-A prologue

The principal developments in science and engineering which led to modern physical metallurgy and materials science are briefly noted. Since these fields may be described as a science of partially self-organizing events, detailed experimental observations are of utmost importance in the formulation of a realistic base for theory. The central importance of microstructure, not only in physical metallurgy but also in the areas of ceramics, semi-conductors, biomaterials and polymers in which metallurgical principles have found important application as part of the super-field of materials science and engineering, is especially emphasized. © 1975