/
Article

Twenty years of Physics Today: The early years

MAY 01, 1968

WHEN, AT LAST, IN May 1948 the first issue of PHYSICS TODAY appeared, it ended a long stretch of wishing, dreaming, planning and figuring. Such a periodical had long been wanted to vivify the whole idea of the American Institute of Physics‐bringing mutually unacquainted specialists in all branches of physics together into a kind of operational unity for enhancement of physics as an important field of human endeavor. We expected PHYSICS TODAY to provide a better cement than just a paper constitution or even the zeal of those few who served terms on the institute governing board. Part of the essential aim was to present the special fields in interesting terms that all physicists and most laymen could understand.

This article is only available in PDF format

More about the authors

Henry A. Barton, American Institute of Physics (retired).

Related content
/
Article
To go beyond classical models and tie our understanding of gravity to the quantum world, experiments are needed.
/
Article
The first African American physicist to earn a PhD made the best of a difficult career path.
/
Article
Apprehension about career pathways and research funding dominated the list of concerns expressed by physics and astronomy undergraduates in a recent survey.
/
Article
This Content Appeared In
pt-cover_1968_05.jpeg

Volume 21, Number 5

Get PT newsletters in your inbox

pt_newsletter_card_blue.png
PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

pt_newsletter_card_darkblue.png
PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

pt_newsletter_card_pink.png
PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

By signing up you agree to allow AIP to send you email newsletters. You further agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.