Theory of the Nuclear Magnetic 1 T1 Relaxation Rate in Conventional and Unconventional Magnets One of the best ways to lift the lid on what is happening inside a given material is to study it using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Of particular interest are NMR 1 T1 relaxation rates which measure how fast energy stored in magnetic nuclei is transferred to surrounding electrons. This thesis develops a detailed quantitative theory of NMR 1 T1 relaxation rates and shows for the first time how they could be used to measure the speed at which energy travels in a wide range of magnetic materials. This theory is used to make predictions for Quantum Spin Nematics an exotic form of quantum order analogous to a liquid crystal. In order to do so it is first necessary to unravel how spin nematics transport energy. This thesis proposes a new way to do this based on the description of quarks in high energy physics. Experiments to test the ideas presented are now underway in laboratories across the world