Endoscopy 2004; 36(1): 1-2
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-814133
Forewords
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Forewords

Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 January 2004 (online)

Evolution, not Revolution Meinhard Classen

The transfer of my duties as Editor-in-Chief of Endoscopy to my long-standing associate Thomas Rösch on 1 January 2004 is an evolutionary - rather than a revolutionary - event. Thomas Rösch has been closely involved in the journal ever since Ludwig Demling, the founding editor, passed the editorship on to me in January 1991.

Maintaining proven achievements is a European tradition. Over the years, Endoscopy's Editorial Board has included names such as Basil I. Hirschowitz, Michel M. Cremer, Guido N. J. Tytgat, and many other personalities who have assisted the journal with their contributions and advice. On this occasion, I would like to express my thanks to the Editorial Board; above all, I would like to thank all of the authors who have entrusted us with their scientific articles over the years and would ask for their continuing support. I would also like to thank Bridget Fischer and her staff and the publisher, Mr. A. Hauff, for their patience and help - I have not always been an easy partner for either of them.

Like gastroenterological endoscopy itself, the journal has shown outstanding progress over the years. The original articles meet contemporary criteria and the number of subscribers has more than trebled. Today, Endoscopy is read on every continent.

The journal has made a substantial contribution to the acceptance of endoscopy throughout the world as a vital tool for the gastroenterologist - even by those who used to regard this specialty merely as a playground for contemplative intellectuals in laboratory and clinical medicine. A gastroenterologist without endoscopy would no longer be conceivable today.

Everything is in motion - and the boundaries of endoscopy are also constantly in flux. Endoscopic treatment methods appear to be expanding inexorably, while at the same time magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and virtual colonography are taking over indications that used to be regarded as a safe preserve for the endoscopist. The endoscopy of the future will not bear the slightest resemblance to the 20th-century's black ”illuminated spaghetti” method (as Rudolf Schindler called it). The shadow of nanotechnology is already advancing towards us. Guidable capsules that are also self-dissolving and combinations of electronic video endoscopes with spectroscopy will allow quasi-histological examination of the surfaces of the intestinal tract. In the future as well, it will continue to be the task of the editors of Endoscopy to accompany all of the technological developments that take place by providing advice and evaluation.

There is a bond of partnership between Bavaria and Scotland. In Scotland they have the saying, ”You can't teach an old dog new tricks”. It is time to pass on this excellent journal to my worthy and chosen successor.

M. Classen

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