The 13th Rare Earth Research Conference was held October 16- 19, 1977 in Wilson Lodge at Oglebay Park near Wheeling, West Vir- g1n1a. From the small conference held originally at Lake Arrow- head, California in 1960 the meetings have grown steadily in size and stature until they are now recognized as the premier conference devoted exclusively to the science and technology of rare earth systems. In keeping with the spirit which has prevailed since the Lake Arrowhead days a number of improvements were instituted on the oc- casion of the 13th Conference. For the first time poster sessions were...