In the Abstract, Prof. Weisel states, "I review the changing conception of basic physics that the U.S. plasma physics community put forward in postwar America. I give special attention to the tense relationship between fusion research and the more general study of plasmas in astrophysics, space science, and industry." Weisel asserts, "Although fusion research often led to results that were regarded as basic plasma physics, its dominating influence tended to weaken other plasma work ...."

The 42 page article, with 132 historical references, is available online at http://www.springerlink.com/content/103309

Prof. Weisel has also kindly offered to provide reprints to interested parties. He can be reached at gxw20@psu.edu