20 years ago: The British Homoeopathic Journal, January 1987

New look

Peter Fisher commented on the new look for this issue of the Journal; format increased from A5 to 244×170 mm, as used by many medical journals; cover changed from yellow to green, and printed as 2-column on better quality paper, making it much easier to read.

More important changes were the streamlining of the system by reorganization of the office; and a modification of the copy dates to provide a late section for correspondence concerning the previous issue; a more effective channel for discussion and debate. The most significant change of all was a system of peer review as used by most scientific journals, which a recent study had shown to be effective in raising standards. However, the study also found that publication of important new scientific findings had sometimes been delayed through scepticism. and Fisher wondered whether Hahnemann's ‘Essay on a new curative principle’ would have reached publication had Hufeland's Journal used peer review. He saw the value of critical scrutiny of methods and statistics; but retained the prerogative to publish especially interesting or provocative articles, even if they appeared rather too ‘out-of-bounds’.[ ¹ ]

• References

• 1 Fisher P. Our new look. Br Hom J 1987; 76: 3-4.
• 2 Davey R W. Strategy for research in homoeopathy. Br Hom J 1987; 76: 1-2.
• 3 Mesquita L.P. Homoeopathy and physiotherapy, with special reference to osteoarthropathy. Br Hom J 1987; 76: 16-18.
• 4 Baumans V., Bol C.J., Oude Luttikhuis W.M.T., Beynen A.C. Br Hom J 1987; 76: 14-15.
• 5 Jack R.A.F. A case of recurrent pyrexia treated with Pyrogen. Br Hom J 1987; 76: 45-46.
• 6 Book review. Br Hom J 1987; 76: 53