Fluctuations in solids

The need for scientists to discuss informally their current research problems is illustrated by the well‐known hall effect in operation at all formal society meetings. In those situations where the technical subject matter can be sufficiently restricted so that the attendance is small, it seems useful to bring such informal discussions from the hall into the conference room. Random processes in solids fits in this category and the Fifth Annual Fluctuations in Solids Symposium held at Armour Research Foundation on May 19, with the cooperation of the Office of Naval Research, provided an informal forum for a review of recent progress in this field. As in past years’ sessions, no formal papers were presented and the subjects discussed were determined entirely by the wishes of the participants. Able chairmanship is needed to prevent such a meeting from descending into random chaos and R. E. Burgess was equal to this task.