An introduction to dual models of strong interaction and their physical motivations

Veneziano.

This report aims at explaining why (sections 1-4) we are led to consider seriously the duality approach to strong interactions, both from analogy with a similar approach to the theory of nuclear reactions, and as a possible way out of the unpleasant impasse into which quantum relativistic theories of strong interactions seem to be forced. Next we shall discuss how (sections 5-6) we go about finding solutions to the constraints of a dual theory and what their properties are. Finally, some ideas will be presented concerning where (section 7) all this can bring us in the near future.