A critical analysis of the quark status

A world analysis of the experiments to search for quarks shows that the general belief that quarks do not exist is not based on such good experimental grounds. For example, the extensive searches so far performed in strong interactions are limited to small p/sub T/ values; the electromagnetic case is even worse, while quark production in weak interactions is at present an unexplored field. Intuitive arguments on a plausible proton-breaking mechanism are presented in order to emphasize the serious limitations of the experiments performed so far, and to stimulate further searches in the right direction. (15 refs).