Mathematical physics has become, in recent years, an inde pendent and important branch of science. It is being increasingly recognized that a better knowledge and a more effective channeling of modern mathematics is of great value in solving the problems of pure and applied sciences, and in recognizing the general unifying principles in science. Conversely, mathematical developments are greatly influenced by new physical concepts and ideas. In the last century there were very close links between mathematics and theo retical physics. It must be taken as an encouraging sign that today, after a long communication gap, mathematicians and physicists have common interests and can talk to each other. There is an unmistak able trend of rapprochement when both groups turn towards the com mon source of their science-Nature. To this end the meetings and conferences addres sed to mathematicians and phYSicists and the publication of the studies collected in this Volume are based on lec tures presented at the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Mathemati cal Physics held in Istanbul in August 1970. They contain review papers and didactic material as well as original results. Some of the studies will be helpful for physicists to learn the language and methods of modern mathematical analysis-others for mathematicians to learn physics. All subjects are among the most interesting re search areas of mathematical physics.
