Classical solutions of SU(2) Yang—Mills theories

A comprehensive review of the known classical solutions of SU(2) gauge theories is presented. The author follows the historical development of this subject from its beginning (the first explicit solution found was an imbedded Abelian static Coulomb solution) up to the most recent work in the field (in particular the solutions which represent monopoles, instantons, and merons). As well as being a detailed survey, this article is intended to serve as a self-contained introduction to the subject.