ABSTRACT
The rich and the poor are two locked caskets of which each contains the key to the other.
Karen Blixen (Danish Writer)
In this Chapter we recapitulate some basic concepts that are used in several chapters that follow. Theorems on electrostatics are included as an introduction to the study of the influence of electric fields on dielectric materials. The solution of Laplace’s equation to find the electric field within and without dielectric combinations yield expressions which help to develop the various dielectric theories discussed in subsequent chapters. The band theory of solids is discussed briefly to assist in understanding the electronic structure of dielectrics and a fundamental knowledge of this topic is essential to understand the conduction and breakdown in dielectrics. The energy distribution of charged particles is one of the most basic aspects that are required for a proper understanding of structure of the condensed phase and electrical discharges in gases. Certain theorems are merely mentioned without a rigorous proof and the student should consult a book on electrostatics to supplement the reading.
