ABSTRACT
In this chapter we wish to introduce the llavour of spin-glass theory and the associated models. It is not our purpose to review in detail the entire development of the various theories but to offer the salient features. There are simply too many contributions mainly spanning the decade 1975-1985 to present a complete account in one chapter. Besides several monographs and review articles (see Further Reading and References at the end of this chapter) have focused upon an in-depth description of the theory including the necessary mathematical manipulations. Instead, we shall survey the important theoretical concepts without mathematical rigour, yet with particular emphasis on the physical content. This means the mainstream models and concepts will be explained simply by words and pictures employing a limited number of equations. Derivations will not be carried out, but hopefully the basic physics of the spin glasses and its unique nature can be gleaned from our treatment.
