ABSTRACT
This chapter is intended for readers approaching magnetism and
magnetics without a substantial knowledge of the subject matter
and/or looking for a summary account of its highlights. A difficulty
in mastering the topic stems from the fact that magnetism is a
multiscale research area, spanning from basic quantum theory of
single atoms (the Aufbauprinzip of Bohr and Pauli) to the functional properties of macroscopic magnetic materials. This chapter will
touch upon all these aspects by following a slightly unconventional
order. The author is aware of the existence of excellent textbooks
on magnetism; some are listed as references. However, it is hoped
that this effort will be of some interest to some people in some
circumstances.
