These lectures review the recently developed vector coherent state method. The book is an excellent introduction to the field because of the many examples treated in detail, in particular those from nuclear and particle physics. These calculations will be welcomed by researchers and graduate students. The author reviews the concepts of coherent states of the Heisenberg algebra and shows then that the vector coherent state method maps the higher symmetry algebra into an n-dimensional harmonic oscillator algebra coupled with a simple intrinsic symmetry algebra. The formulation involves some vector (or analogous higher symmetry) coupling of the intrinsic algebra with the n-dimensional oscillator algebra, leading to matrix representations and Wigner coefficients of the higher symmetry algebra expressed in terms of simple calculable functions and recoupling coefficients for the simpler intrinsic algebra.

These lectures review the recently developed vector coherent state method. The book is an excellent introduction to the field because of the many examples treated in detail, in particular those from nuclear and particle physics. These calculations will be welcomed by researchers and graduate students. The author reviews the concepts of coherent states of the Heisenberg algebra and shows then that the vector coherent state method maps the higher symmetry algebra into an n-dimensional harmonic oscillator algebra coupled with a simple intrinsic symmetry algebra. The formulation involves some vector (or analogous higher symmetry) coupling of the intrinsic algebra with the n-dimensional oscillator algebra, leading to matrix representations and Wigner coefficients of the higher symmetry algebra expressed in terms of simple calculable functions and recoupling coefficients for the simpler intrinsic algebra.

The Symposium ·Symmetries in Science VI: From the Rotation Group to Quantum Algebras· was held at the Cloister Mehrerau, Bregenz, Austria, during the period August 2-7, 1992. The Symposium was held in honor of Professor Lawrence C. Biedenharn on the occasion of his 70th birthday. During the academic year 1966/67 I worked as research associate with Larry at Duke University and we have ever since maintained close contact. It was thus natural for me to take the initiative and to organize this Symposium in honor of Larry as a great scientist and friend. The response which the Symposium received showed the favorable reaction by the scientific community to the opportunity provided by the Symposium to honor our colleague, teacher and friend. Equally, the scientific contributions contained in this volume illustrate the high esteem in which he is held. I wish to thank all the scientists who participated in the Symposium and who contributed to this volume. It is due to their commitment that the Symposium was successful. Finally I need to thank those who provided financial and logistical assistance to the Symposium: Dr. John H. Guyon, President of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Dr. Russell R. Dutcher, Dean, College of Science at SIUC, Dr. Maurice A. Wright, Chairman, Department of Physics, SIUC, Dr. Victoria J. Molfese, Office of Research Developement and Administration, SIUC, as well as Dr. Martin Purtscher, Landeshauptmann, Land Vorarlberg Dr. Guntram Lins, Landesrat, Land Vorarlberg.

Proceedings of a symposium held in Landesbildungszentrum Schloss Hofen, Lochau, Vorarlberg, Austria, July 30-August 3, 1990

Nicely printed and bound proceedings of a major symposium contain 29 reviews of highly diverse developments in the world of symmetry, plus 14 rather briefer research papers. The variety of the topics treated and the authority of the contributors suggest that most physical theorists will find here so