FOREWORD U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE James H. Wakelin, Jr. Assistant NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS This year-1971-the National Bureau of Standards celebrated its 70th anniversary. NBS is justly proud of 70 years of service to the public, and to the scientific and engineering community. We also welcome the challenges that face us in the problems of today and the complexities of tomorrow. An anniversary provides a convenient opportunity to review the accomplishments of the past. In this Annual Report we have looked back over those 70 years with photographs from our files, and with descriptions of some major contributions to science and technology. These contributions cover the range from basic discoveries in fundamental physics to applied measurement and from the development of new technologies (such as the magnetic fluid clutch) to promotion of equity in the marketplace. We have, of course, included highlights of the significant events of the past year. Although it would take a document many times this size to outline the future plans for all of our programs, we have tried in this Report to present a glimpse of the direction in which each major technical area is headed. This Report can do little more than skim the surface of NBS. Should you want to know more about the Bureau or a particular program, your letter, phone call, or visit is welcomed. To help direct you to the proper contact, we have included the name and phone number of people whose work is mentioned, and have provided a brief directory following the text. Lewis M. Branscomb, Director |