Analytical Chemistry November 1952 [antikvár]

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY Walter J. Murphy, Editor The Publication Load Increases CERTAINLY one of the ways in which we can gage the steady advance in the field of analytical chemistry is to review the year-to-year increase in the number of editorial pages published in Analytical Chemistry. Through the November issue the paginated editorial pages total 1870, while in the same period in 1951, we printed 1724, an increase of 146 pages. Through the November issue of 1950, the paginated editorial pages amounted to 1462, so that within a period of two years it has been necessary to provide for more than 408 additional pages in order to maintain the journal reasonably close to a current publication basis. One really begins to appreciate the magnitude of the growth in the size of the journal when reference is made to the volume during the World War II period. The following table indicates convincingly the growth in the publication load of the j ournal: Year 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 Total Pages 1190 1272 1116 1120 1191 1243 1538 1775 2106 2136 2524 2646 Editorial Pages 938 1022 788 796 842 860 1111 1318 1656 1674 2022 2144 Advertising Pages 252 250 328 324 427 457 450 462 502 502 It is true, of course, that not all of the increase indicated in the table is due to the publication of greater and greater numbers of papers reporting on original research. We now publish annual reviews, abstracts of papers of interest to analysts presented at meetings in all parts of the world, reviews of books of special significance to analysts, and several other special features, all of which require a substantial number of pages. However, the total so used are but a relatively small percentage of the over-all total number of editorial pages printed. We believe these special features perform many worth-while seivices of direct practical value to analysts, but we have never wavered in our opinion that the first and foremost purpose of Analytical Chemistry is to print the quality papers reporting worth-while original research. The journal, generally speaking, is on a current publication basis and by current, we mean publication within a period of 90 days from the date of acceptance. This is not strictly true of the material published in the "Notes" and "Aids" departments but, for the past few months and for the next month or two, we are printing extra pages in these sections in order to reach a more current basis. There is much to be done after a manuscript has been ac- cepted. The manuscript editing department must go over it, the manuscript must be set in galley form, proofs must be sent to the author, pages must be dummied and, of course, there are at least several readings of proofs at the printing office in Easton, Pa. We certainly do not wish to convey the impression that we are completely satisfied with a 90-day current publication basis. We hope that the editorial staff with the help and cooperation of the authors and the printer will be able to reduce the period of time between acceptance of the manuscript and its publication. We also hope to cut down on the average period of time between the receipt of the manuscript and its acceptance. However, in achieving these goals we must recognize that adequate time has to be provided for the reviewers. These experts in the field of analysis unselfishly give of their time and knowledge. They receive no compensation other than the value of keeping abreast of the latest developments and the satisfaction of contributing to the advancement of their science and profession. We are sure that the users of Analytical Chemistry appreciate the value of maintaining high standards by critically reviewing manuscripts before publication and, along with us, favor such a practice even though it requires more time and work. Our Technical Data Department OPEAKING of special services provided our readers, this ^ would seem to be an opportune time to mention the technical data department of Analytical Chemistry, published each month in the canary-colored four-page section (in this particular issue, pages 31 A-34 A). In this section, analysts will find a carefully screened listing and description of new equipment, apparatus, instruments, reagents, and materials, together with a selected list of the very latest manufacturers' literature. It is a very simple matter for you to circle on the attached post card items on which you wish additional information. We wish to point out that the selection of the information appearing in the technical data department is done by the editors of the journal. More and more manufacturers of supplies, instruments, and equipment are now issuing really-informative technical data and information. A great number of announcements, bulletins, brochures, and catalogs reach the editorial offices where they are carefully examined and accurately described for our readers. Analysts will find this information of very practical value and we strongly recommend that subscribers avail themselves of this service. 1689