Masters Theses in the Pure and Applied Sciences was first conceived, published, and disseminated by TPRC at Purdue University in 1957, starting its coverage of theses with the academic year 1955. Beginning with Volume 13, the printing and dissemina­ tion phases of the activity was transferred to University Microfilms/Xerox of Ann Arbor, Michigan, with the thought that such an arrangement would be more beneficial to the academic and general scientific and technical community. After five years of this joint undertaking we have concluded that it will be in the interest of all concerned if the printing and distribution of the volume were handled by a well-known publishing house to assure improved service and better communication. Hence, effective with this Volume 18, Masters Theses in the Pure and Applied Sciences will be disseminated on a worldwide basis by Plenum Publishing Corporation of New York. All back issues can also be ordered from Plenum. As we embark on this new partnership with Plenum, we also initiate a new venture in that this important annual reference work now covers Canadian universities as well as those in the United States. We are sure that this broader base will greatly enhance the value of these volumes.

Masters Theses Listed by Study Discipline.- 1. Aerospace Engineering.- 2. Agricultural Economics, Sciences, and Engineering.- 3. Architectural Engineering and Urban Planning.- 4. Astronomy.- 5. Astrophysics.- 6. Ceramic Engineering.- 7. Chemical Engineering.- 8. Chemistry and Biochemistry.- 9. Civil Engineering.- 10. Communications Engineering and Computer Science.- 11. Cryogenic Engineering.- 12. Electrical Engineering.- 13. Engineering Mechanics.- 14. Engineering Physics.- 15. Engineering Science.- 16. Fuels, Combustion, and Air Pollution.- 17. General and Environmental Engineering.- 18. Geochemistry and Soil Science.- 19. Geological Sciences and Geophysical Engineering.- 20. Geology.- 21. Geophysics.- 22. Industrial Engineering and Operations Research.- 23. Irrigation Engineering.- 24. Marine and Ocean Engineering.- 25. Materials Science and Engineering.- 26. Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering.- 27. Metallurgy.- 28. Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences.- 29. Mineralogy and Petrology.- 30. Mining and Metallurgical Engineering.- 31. Missile and Space Systems Engineering.- 32. Nuclear Engineering.- 33. Nuclear Physics.- 34. Nuclear Science.- 35. Oceanography and Marine Science.- 36. Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering.- 37. Photogrammetric and Geodetic Engineering.- 38. Physics and Biophysics.- 39. Plastics Engineering.- 40. Wood Technology, Forestry, and Forest Science.- 41. Reactor Science.- 42. Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution.- 43. Textile Technology.- 44. Transportation Engineering.- Theses without Specification of School or Department.