The use of concepts borrowed from topology has led to major athances in t, heorctical physics in recent years. hl quailt, uni field theory. the pionvering work >?. Skyrme and follow ups on classical solut, ions of Yalig AIills Higgs t, heories has lead to the discovery of t, he lion peturbati e sectors of gauge theory. Topology has also found its way into colidensed matter physics. Clas sification of defects in ordered media bg 11oinotop theorg is a well known example (see e.g. Kleman and Toulouse. Les Kouches XXXV, 1980). More recent, ly. topology and condensed matter physics have again met...