Statistical analysis of a scientific discipline: palynology

摘要: Abstract Percentages are determined which demonstrate the positions various sub-disciplines of palynology take up in present-day palynological literature. Also calculated is language distribution modern The subdisciplinary composition found to be different for each major languages. Based on a large-scale statistical analysis publications appeared during fifty year period 1916–1965, trends outlined relating annual output scientific papers, usage languages communication, and mutual relationships between subdisciplines. percentage professional literature consulted by palynologists working areas has been analyzing lists references accompanying papers means questionnaires sent authors said papers. In four (English, Russian, French, German), highest that written vernacular; German Russian areas, English assumes second place. Elsewhere world order importance communication generally is: English, German, native language, Russian. If comparison made linguistic older younger palynologists, it appears use English-language increasing, whereas French as international decreasing, although this trend had not yet extended all parts world. Except U.S.S.R., geological consult more other than with biological background. Within community whole, proportion orientation increasing. increase have under multiple authorship presumably due mainly increased team work. This an interdisciplinary field, like geophysics, always higher traditional discipline, such geology. For palynology, figures close those