Free alternative algebras

The author's abstract of a dissertation submitted as a requirement for the advanced degree of Doctor of Physicomathematical Sciences. The dissertation was defended on Feb. 2, 1978, at a session of the Specialized Council D 002.23.01 of the Institute of Mathematics, Siberian Branch, Academy of Sciences of the USSR. The official examiners were: Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Doctor of Physicomathematical Sciences A. I. Kostrikin; Doctor of Physicomathematical Sciences V. D. Mazurov; Doctor of Physicomathematical Sciences Yu. M. Ryabukhin.