Introduction to "some fundamental experiments with wave guides"

The early history of waveguides is reviewed. This is followed by a brief review of the events that led to Southworth to undertake an investigation of waveguides, along with some of the difficulties that he encountered. The rediscovery of the hollow tube waveguide by Southworth, and independently by Barrow, and perhaps also by Brillouin, is described. The paper concludes with a brief summary of the awards and professional recognition Southworth received for his many accomplishments.