I would also like to thank the libraries of the University of Stuttgart, Germany, North Carolina State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Georgia State University. They have granted me generous access to their archives, which allowed me to consider a broad range of literature from authors from both the United States and Europe. Furthermore, Mr. Derek Hardy for his outstanding support in translating this work from German into English language. And finally, Dr. Paul Richardson and Ms.Toni Tan of Cambria Press and their team for the excellent support in publishing this book.
As the motto for the book, I would like to use the guiding theme of a scientist and researcher, Karl R. Popper, whose work and insights have accompanied and inspired me over the years:
In this sense, I wish the seeking reader that this work will help to gain some new and interesting insights. And I hope that it can initiate and contribute to extend existing knowledge and expertise.
Dr. Rolf G. Poluha
Atlanta, Georgia, April 2007