The work of Alexandrov and Ranninger has shown that the extrapolation
of the BCS theory to strong electron-phonon interaction necessarily in
volves the formation of small polarons. The resulting theory can be di
rectly applied to the cubic bismuth oxides, in which the bosons are Bi
3+, existing both above and below T(c). In the copper oxide materials,
the role of the spins in Cu2+ is discussed. A model is proposed in wh
ich both spin and dielectric polarons play a role, The model is applie
d to electrical properties above T(c), for under- and over-doped speci
mens, and various other phenomena.