The 1979 Nobel Prize in Physics

Elementary Particle Physics and the Superconducting Super Collider

The present status and future prospects of elementary particle physics are reviewed, and some of the scientific questions that motivate the construction of a major new accelerator complex in the United States are summarized.

Intermediate Bosons: Weak Interaction Couriers

Recent progress toward a complete theory of the weak interactions has led to sharper predictions for the properties of the hypothetical weak-force particles known as intermediate bosons. The history of speculations about intermediate bosons is briefly summarized and the (as yet negative) searches carried out for these particles are reviewed. Prospects for future searches-both direct ad indirect-are surveyed, and the consequences of finding the expected or unexpected are noted.