Twenty-Five Years of Perspectives

PERSPECTIVES IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE Volume 25 ¦ Number 4 ¦ Summer 1982 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF PERSPECTIVES In the brief quarter century of its life Perspectives has evolved from the brainchild of Dwight Ingle to a mature journal with editorial independence , serving no professional organization, specialty group, or institution . PBM truly belongs to the readers and its authors—the intent of the Editorial Board and the editorial office. A need for a Perspectives-like publication existed 25 years ago; today it is an essential. Biological science, medicine, and the society which they serve have evolved with such speed that it is difficult for a thoughtful person to develop a perspective. Accordingly we have decided to mark this twenty-fifth-year milestone with a special issue. Every paper has been invited. Our plan was grandiose. We hoped that this one issue of Perspectives would convey to the reader not only ajudgment on the major scientific achievements of the quarter century, but also a feeling for the changing spirit of the era. Not surprisingly, considering the stature of the persons who have responded to our invitation, our aspirations for the issue have been justified. The message is loud and clear! Permeating virtually every aspect of biomedical science, the most important fundamental advances have been genetical; from molecular to human population genetics with a subtle, if not dominating, influence on anthropology, comparative morphology, human evolution, ecology, and medicine. As pointed out by Yalow the most spectacular new biomedical insights of the quarter century were made possible by technical advances . The impact of science and technology on medical and surgical practice and medical education has been greater than that experienced in any other 25-year period. It has been challenging for physicians to assimilate the new knowledge and incorporate advanced technology while preserving those personal attributes which society demands of the profession. Our authors have given us all of this in one issue. I believe Dwight Ingle would be proud of his baby.—R. L. L. Perspectives in Biology and Medicine, 25, 4 ¦ Summer 1982 | 511 ...