This book presents a selection of papers, written by Nicolaas Bloembergen and his associates during the years 1946–1962, on the subjects of nuclear magnetic relaxation, paramagnetic relaxation and masers, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy of solids. The volume begins with autobiographical notes to provide a personal historical background. Each paper is preceded by commentary with additional information regarding the early development of magnetic resonance in condensed matter. A reproduction of his Ph.D. thesis, “Nuclear Magnetic Relaxation”, Leiden, 1948, is included in this volume.
