Methods in Paleomagnetism covers the proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Paleomagnetic Methods, held in the Physics Department of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne on April 1-10, 1964. The book focuses on apparatus and techniques used in paleomagnetism and rock magnetism. The selection first offers information on sampling techniques in the field and measurement of natural remanent magnetization. Discussions focus on ballistic and spinner magnetometers; paleomagnetic sampling with a portable coring drill; portable apparatus for collecting small oriented cores; and portable field-sampling equipment. The book also takes a look at procedures to test the stability of magnetization, as well as physical properties of demagnetization; thermal demagnetization by the continuous method; and apparatus for thermal demagnetization by the progressive method. The text ponders on measurement of isotropic and anisotropic susceptibility and magnetic measurements in applied fields. Topics include preliminary account of a refined technique for magnetic susceptibility anisotropy measurement of rocks; errors in anisotropy measurements with the torsion balance; and measurement of the anisotropy of the susceptibility with an astatic magnetometer. The selection is a valuable reference for readers interested in paleomagnetism.

During the last 30 years the study of the magnetic properties of rocks and minerals has substantially contributed to several fields of science. Perhaps the best known and most significant advances have resulted from the study of palaeomagnetism, which led to quantitative confirmation of continental drift and polar wandering through interpretation of the direction of remanent magnetism observed in rocks of different ages from different continents. Palaeomagnetism has also, through observations of reversals of magnetiz ation, ancient secular variation and ancient field intensities provided data relevant to the origin of the geomagnetic field, and other investigations have contributed significantly to large-scale and local geological studies, the dating of archaeological events and artefacts and more recently to lunar and meteoritic studies. Rock and mineral magnetism has proved to be an interesting study in its own right through the complex magnetic properties and interactions observed in the iron-titanium oxide and iron sulphide minerals, as well as contributing to our understanding of remanent magnetism and magnetization processes in rocks. Simultaneous with the development of these studies has been the develop ment of instruments and techniques for the wide range of investigations involved.

"This book by Lisa Tauxe and others is a marvelous tool for education and research in Paleomagnetism. Many students in the U.S. and around the world will welcome this publication, which was previously only available via the Internet. Professor Tauxe has performed a service for teaching and research that is utterly unique."—Neil D. Opdyke, University of Florida