Am J Psychiatry 1978; 135:1148-1155
Copyright © 1978 by American Psychiatric Association
On editing the Journal: Ave atque vale
FJ Braceland
Dr. Braceland discusses his 13-year tenure (1965-1978) as Editor of the
American Journal of Psychiatry, noting that he took office during a period
of social turmoil that in many ways resembled the decade of the Journal's
founding 134 years ago. He describes the advantages and disadvantages of
the peer review system he introduced to the Journal and states that this
approach is essential in a time of ultraspecialization. He reviews the
crafts of editing and writing for medical journals, both of which are
brightened by clarity and brevity. As to the future of medical journals, he
considers reports of their demise premature, while acknowledging the
problems they face. Dr. Braceland briefly considered a "rocking chair"
approach to his retirement from the Editorship, but the Editor Emeritus
will instead continue to provide whatever assistance he can to his
colleagues.
