Dynamo theory is the theory that ascribes the continued existence of cosmic magnetic fields to induction effects in conducting fluid masses. In an earlier review in this journal, Parker (1970) gave an account of dynamo theory in the context of solar magnetic fields. Since then, dynamo theory has developed almost into a subject in its own right. On the other hand, some authors have expressed doubts about its applicability to the fields of bodies like the Sun. The present review, which may be regarded as a sequel to that of Parker, is concerned with both the recent develop ments and those doubts. This review does not consider fields explicable in terms of the com pression of preexistent fields (fields of early-type stars, white dwarfs, and pulsars). Of the three main aspects of dynamo theory (planetary, stellar, and galactic) we concentrate on the fields of the Sun and similar stars, with only passing references to other bodies. No attempt will be made to review dynamo theory: a number of good reviews already exist (e.g. P. H. Roberts 1971, Gubbins 1974, Soward & Roberts 19 76, Moffatt 1976, 1978; cf. also Parker 1979). However, for an understanding of the issues involved we precede a discussion of these by a much simplified account of some of the results of the pure theory.
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T. G. Cowling (1981) studied this question.