[en] Re-evaluation of the Rydberg constant yields a value of R = (109677.586 +- 0.0085) cm^-1

[en] Some of the areas of major change since 1973 in studies of fundamental constants are identified and briefly discussed

[en] Some thoughts are given to the antropic principle and its traces in physics. (Author)

[en] The elementary constants in physics introduced by Planck and their eminent significance for today's understanding of the world are discussed. The achievements by Bohr, Dirac, Demokrit, Planck and Hund are described with special emphasis on the role elementary constants play, for instance, in atomic physics, cosmology and elementary particle physics. Finally the multifarious interrelations between physics and society are touched upon

[en] A brief review on recent CODATA recommended values of the fundamental physical constants, based on data obtained by the end of 2002, is presented. Preceding the review is an analysis of the role that fundamental constants play in fundamental physics and practical measurements. In view of the increasing role of fundamental constants for the realization of the standards of units of physical quantities, some questions related to the International System of Units (SI) are also discussed. (annus mirabilis. physics of our days)

[en] Abstract only

[en] Reasons for suspecting that fundamental constants might change with time are reviewed. Possible consequences of such variations are examined. The present status of experimental tests of these ideas is discussed

[en] The results of geophysical and laboratory measurements of Newton's constant of gravitation, seem to disagree by one percent. Attempts to explain this have led to the revival of the proposal for a fifth interaction in Nature. The experimental results on measurements of G and tests of Newton's inverse square law are reviewed. The recent reanalysis of the Eoetvoes experiment and proposals for new experiments are discussed. (Author)

[en] One admits that both the gravitational constant and the cosmological one may vary, in terms of space coordinates and time, in a corroborated way, giving rise to a kind of cosmical scalar field, which enters the energy balance of the Universe. A self-consistent variational theory of gravitation is devised, proceeding from this conjecture, and its cosmological consequences are explored. Some trends in common with Georg Szekere theory, or with Edward Milne's one, are equally analysed. A Machian model of Universe, coming from these premises and compatible with the scale invariance and observational data, is finally built-up. (author)

[en] The fine structure constant can be approximately expressed as α = (20 var-phi ⁴)^-1 where var-phi is the golden ratio (1 + √5)/2: the discrepancy between the present and the true value of α^-1 is lower than 3.4· 10^-4. This simple occurrence would be not fortuitous, thus suggesting a hidden physical meaning. A tentative and qualitative explanation is proposed which is based only on symmetry considerations involving both the Von Klitzing resistance and the vacuum impedance