This report presents information from phase I of a survey designed to develop quantitative indicators of the current national stock, cost/investment, condition, obsolescence, utilization, and need for major research instruments in academic settings. Data for phase I (which focused on the physical and computer sciences and engineering) were obtained from department heads and from faculty scientists and engineers at a stratified probability sample of 43 universities (excluding federally-funded research development centers). These data are discussed and analyzed in a final section with respect to six major topic areas: (1) department heads' assessments of instrumentation needs and priorities; (2) amounts and costs of research equipment in the 1982 national stock; (3) instrumentation age and condition; (4) funding patterns; (5) instrumentation location and usage; and (6) instrumentation maintenance and repair. Technical notes, questionnaire used, detailed statistical tables, and other information are provided in appendices. Among the findings noted are those indicating that research personnel cannot conduct critical experiments in important subject areas due to lack of equipment and that the top priority need is for upgrading and expanding equipment in the $10,000 to $1,000,000 range. (JN)