Neutron capture in perspective

The status of Nuclear Physics is briefly reviewed, and the blanks in our knowledge are highlighted. The nature of the (n,γ) reaction and its contribution to our knowledge of nuclear properties is discussed and a recent study of the 188Os (n,γ)188Os reaction is cited as an example. A comparison is then made with the properties of the more fashionable, heavy ion induced, fusion‐evaporation reaction which provides information about states of high spin and neutron‐deficient nuclei far from stability. The recent observation of the N=Z nucleus 84Mo is used as an example. Future developments in the use of the (n,γ) and (HI,xnγ) reactions and in low temperature Nuclear Physics generally are outlined.