A controllable aspect of the information explosion

摘要: A controllable aspect of the information explosion? from Virginia Trimble The scientific explosion needs no introduction. More journals are publishing more papers by authors on ever-more-specialized topics than ever before. And, at least within major American astronomy and astrophysics, there now also words per paper before (Abt, H.A. Publs astr. Soc. Pac. 93, 269; 1981). rise in mean length started shortly after Second World War, since when it has been monotonic linear with time, result that a typical 1980 is nearly three times wordier 1910 - 40 ones. similar trend was recently identified European astronomical letters (Harris, W.E. 95, 989; 1983). Despite editors' avowed intent to favour short communications over long ones, average letter 30 cent longer today 10 years ago. obvious questions why, can anything be done about it? Determining just how widespread phenomenon correlates other properties may suggest answers. To quantify data, I use words-in- mean-paper- index (WIMPI), whose charm readily permits comparisons among disciplines, decades nations. Investigations subject easily performed anyone access large library strong finger (at latter should probably your own). preliminary investigation one English-language journal each physics, mathematics chemistry UK, USA Japan (see figure legend) shows spotted Abt Harris very widespread. For every examined, WIMPI larger 1980-83 1950. Increases ranged 13 115 cent, an unweighted 64 cent. This drops 43 however, if we set Japanese baseline year 1955, which time effects immediate post-war wood pulp shortage had largely disappeared. minimum value belongs Monthly Notices Royal Astronomical Society maximum Journal Mathematical Japan. After renormalizing Chemical London, tie 82-85 for largest increases War II. Disciplinary national averages during 1950-80 are: 27; mathematics, 77; astronomy, 62; chemistry, 93; 45; USA, 65; Japan, 85 (but only 20 1955). Every reader surely find something these numbers support his most cherished preconceptions. Among sections (most not old their present formats), range 5 (J. Am. chem. Soc.) 38 (Bulletin Japan) (Bull. 170 (Journal Physics). values 26 past 76 20. Some changes closely parallel editorial policy; instance, Physical Letters B rose 3.6 pages 1973, rule exceed printed , 4-6 1983 read normally .