  Quasistatics is introduced so that it fits smoothly into the standard
textbook presentation of electrodynamics. The usual path from statics to
general electrodynamics is rather short and surprisingly simple. A closer look
reveals however that it is not without confusing issues as has been illustrated
by many contributions to this Journal. Quasistatic theory is conceptually
useful by providing an intermediate level in between statics and the full set
of Maxwell's equations. Quasistatics is easier than general electrodynamics and
in some ways more similar to statics. It is however, in terms of interesting
physics and important applications, far richer than statics. Quasistatics is
much used in electromagnetic modeling, an activity that today is possible on a
PC and which also has great pedagogical potential. The use of electromagnetic
simulations in teaching gives additional support for the importance of
quasistatics. This activity may also motivate some change of focus in the
presentation of basic electrodynamics.
