Magnetism in future

As a backdrop to help focus on the shape of magnetism in future, seven ages in the history of magnetism from ancient times to the 20th century are discussed. Drivers and beneficiaries are identified in each age. Some current trends in the areas of hard magnets, soft magnets and magnetic recording are described and extrapolated. Key developments are the ability to structure materials and devices on characteristic magnetic length scales in the nanometer range, and the emergence of the new science of spin electronics. Some speculative suggestions about areas where breakthroughs could be expected in future are included. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.