The theory of thermoelasticity studies the interaction between thermal and mechan- ical fields in elastic bodies. This theory is of interest both for the mathematical and technical point of view. Intense interest has been shown recently in this field owing to the great practical importance of dynamical effects in aeronautics, nu- clear reactors, and its potential importance in cryogenic applications. This work is concerned mainly with basic problems of the theory of thermoelasticity. Ther- moelasticity of polar materials and the theories of thermoelasticity with finite wave speeds are not...