Since launching in 1869, Nature has evolved from a periodical offering commentary on pigeons to the prestige journal in science. But how did Nature build its reputation, and can it last?
Two issues in comparison with the 'Science' journal in USA, has not been highlighted. (1) 'Science' had a two decades - delayed start. (2) Due to British imperialism in the 19th century, 'Nature' had English- fluent readership beyond Britain; the so-called Commonwealth nations Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Indian subcontinent and South Africa. Consider the case of Sir C.V. Raman, the 1930 Nobel laureate in Physics. He did publish quite a number of 'paragraph' communications, to gain priority status, in his research theme.
'Science' picked up acceleration, only after Phil Abelson became it's editor in early 1960s.
Great article. I never thought that the history of a science journal could've been so interesting.
Great article! Would love to read more about monetization and how current astronomical submission costs came to be!
Two issues in comparison with the 'Science' journal in USA, has not been highlighted. (1) 'Science' had a two decades - delayed start. (2) Due to British imperialism in the 19th century, 'Nature' had English- fluent readership beyond Britain; the so-called Commonwealth nations Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Indian subcontinent and South Africa. Consider the case of Sir C.V. Raman, the 1930 Nobel laureate in Physics. He did publish quite a number of 'paragraph' communications, to gain priority status, in his research theme.
'Science' picked up acceleration, only after Phil Abelson became it's editor in early 1960s.
Insightful article on the origins of the journal
Very interesting.
60 years ago, in my science classes, medical training and article in Nature was highly regarded because it was in Nature.
This is not to be construed as a negative. Only a statement of fact