Quantum field theory sum rules are useful in a variety of ways. They permit to test the theory used to derive them, e.g. quantum chromodynamics, or an assumption made for the derivation, e.g. Lorentz invariance. They can be used to study a particle, e.g. how does the spins of partons make up the spin of the proton. They can also be used as a measurement method. If the static quantity B is difficult to measure directly, measuring A ( x ) and integrating it offers a practical way to obtain B (providing that the particular sum rule linking A ( x ) to B is reliable).