THE FOURTH STATE OF MATTER

At Scientific American level, a sound, selective, non-mathematical treatment of theory and research in the difficult area of plasmas or ionized gases. Background material includes discussions of the structure of the atom, kinetic-molecular theory, and early relevant work in physics and astronomy; there follow explorations of the origin of the solar system, the nature of the sun itself, and the birth and death of galaxies. Bova purveys the possibilities inherent in a developed plasma technology (e.g., for power production), and deals with both prospective ecological benefits and potential misuses; one of his primary purposes here is to create a scientifically literate reader able to take an informed position with regard to the issues arising in the field.