A new hand at the helm

Editorial A new hand at the helm Editors, like navigators, are a sturdy breed. There have only been four in the 63 years since the Ulster Medical Journal was founded-refounded, because we like to trace our beginnings to 1806 and the Belfast Medical Society, or perhaps more accurately to 1854 and the short lived Transactions of the Belfast Clinical and Pathological Society. But enough of history ... this journal is forward looking and will sail into the next millennium with alacrity! Just how it will look in five years time will depend both on our contributors and our readers. The CD-ROM will allow most extensive literature surveys, and the word-processor will facilitate the more keyboard-dextrous in the production of a sophisticated looking paper. The content of the article, and its relevance in the world medical literature will still depend on the intelligence and understanding of the author. But the style and layout, which are essential features of good medical publishing, will depend on the editor. Evidenced based medicine is a current fashion, and has much to commend it. The role of a general medical journal is to produce such evidence, and to facilitate publication of both the randomized clinical trials and the subsequent meta-analyses on which the concept depends. Peer review should minimise the chances of error, or even fraud: statistical counsel will verify complex mathematical concepts. But the common-sense of the paper will still depend on the editor. Medical literacy may be broadened by the latest voice-activated forms of word-processors: spelling, never a medical high point, is said to be totally correct if you use the right word. But the similarity in sound between 'euthanasia' and 'youth in Asia' means that the editor must still be able to read the written word before it is printed. To say nothing ofthe problems of local vernacular language and the modern trend to wilfully split the much maligned infinitive. So the appointment of a new editor is an important beacon for the future course of the journal. Keep sending Dr Gibson your good papers.