Mathematicians from Princeton University focus on the Montgomery-Odlyzko law, the deep relation between the spacings between zeros of zeta and L-functions and spacings between eigenvalues of random elements of large compact classical groups. Finds the law to hold for wide classes of zeta and L-functions over finite fields. Of interest to research mathematicians and graduate students studying such areas as varieties over finite and local fields, zeta-functions, limit theorems, and the structure of families. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.