Editors: PAUL A. HARPER, M.D..
At both the Society for Pediatric Research and the American Pediatric Society, the establishment of a new pediatric journal was discussed. Certain people thought there was a need for a new and different type of journal but the majority felt that the need was not obvious. The proposal of a new and different type of journal indicates that the Academy should consider how our journal can best serve the children by improving the practice of pediatrics.
At present there are four general pediatric journals and "Pediatric Clinics of North America" is about to enter the field. The "Yearbook of Pediatrics" and the "Quarterly Review of Pediatrics" provide additional means of attaining information. The "Advances in Pediatrics" covers recent research in a coherent and not too technical style. We are fortunate in having excellent textbooks and one system which are kept up to date. We certainly do not lack adequate means of presenting information in pediatrics. Pediatricians should be cautious in supporting a new journal because advertisers for their publications seem plentiful. Until there is a real shortage of space for good articles, competition for advertising revenue will only cheapen the journals.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has entrusted the management and editorial policy of our journal to the editorial board.