Superconductivity

For three and one half days, some seventy physicists from many countries (unfortunately not including the U.S.S.R.) met at Cambridge to discuss the present theoretical and experimental status of superconductivity. From every point of view it was a nearly ideal conference. As the entire meeting was devoted to a restricted subject, there were single sessions which were most interestingly organized: a rapporteur summarized a certain area in about 45 minutes, after which there was an equal time for discussion. This system eliminated the presentation of a tedious number of short contributions and, thanks to the devoted efforts of the rapporteurs, made much clearer the basic questions involved. And then there was the wonderful setting of Cambridge, and the warm hospitality of the hosts, who made all participants feel at home from the moment when they were welcomed in person by Dr. Shoenberg as they arrived, one by one, at Clare College. No effort was spared in organizing all aspects of the scientific program, and in adding to it a most enjoyable social round. There was punting on the Backs and tea at Grantchester (without honey), excursions to stately homes, a much appreciated recital by Messrs. Gough (violin) and Pippard (piano), and, as penultimate joy, a speechless banquet. The smoothness with which everything proceeded belied the extraordinary amount of preparation done by the Shoenbergs and the Pippards, by Faber, and by the other members of the Mond Laboratory; may they be assured that their efforts were unqualifiedly successful.