This paper reviews the history and present state of finite-element met
hods, as applied to electromagnetic-field problems in the microwave ra
nge. It provides a selective bibliography, current as of the first mon
ths of 1996, with annotations and evaluative comments on the works sur
veyed. It briefly notes the capabilities of the finite-element method,
and estimates how fully they have been realized to date. Some conject
ures on the future of finite-element methods are also hazarded.