Electroexcitation of nuclear magnetic dipole transitions

The field of electroexcitation of nuclear M1 transitions is reviewed. The subject is introduced with an elementary description of the relationship between backward-angle electron scattering and M1 excitation. Data analysis methods as well as 180° electron scattering techniques are also treated. The discussion of experimental results emphasizes the strength of the spin-flip transition, the concentration of M1 strength in self-conjugate nuclei, the degree of fragmentation of this strength in other nuclei, the response of odd-$A$ rotational nuclei to 180° electron scattering, and the possible existence of an M1 giant resonance among the nuclides, especially the heavy nuclei.