34 



CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON. 



Table showing number and aggregate cost of completed publications by years ^ including 

 the Year Books and the Index Medicus, to Novetnber i, igoj. 



* Does not include costs of publications Nos. 81 and 85 (Vermont). 



The rapidly growing cost of our publications and the rapid increase in the 

 quantity of worthy contributions for publication coming especially from the 

 departments, grantees, and associates of the Institution 

 Costs of Publications, have led to an extended study of the problems thus pre- 

 sented. In their variety and complexity these problems 

 have world-wide ramifications, and no single institution can hope to secure 

 for itself anything better than tentative solutions in the near future. 



As regards the general aspects of this subject, there are indications of 

 overproduction in the line of scientific publications. The world appears to 

 be accumulating knowledge faster than it can be assimilated. Even by aid 

 of the comprehensive bibliographies now issued, it is difficult, if not impos- 

 sible, for the specialist to become conversant with the current literature of 

 his own field. On the other hand, the standard of excellence in publications 

 is undoubtedly higher now than at any previous epoch, altho it may not have 

 kept pace adequately with the increasing productivity of our times. 



As regards the work of publication of the Institution, the principal object 

 in view is that of making known to the world, in an intelligible and in a 

 permanent form, the methods and the results of our investigations ; and due 

 regard for economy requires that we seek always to secure the requisite 

 efficiency at the minimum cost. Hence it is a plain duty not only to insist 

 on a high grade of excellence in matter and form, but also to insist on brev- 

 ity of statement and on elimination of unnecessary, tho artistic, illustrations. 

 It is equally plain, however, that in this, as in many other matters, the Insti- 

 tution finds itself restricted by a great body of dignified precedent and cur- 

 rent practice ; so that progress toward improvements, in order to be effective, 

 must be expected to proceed slowly. 



In the meantime, the Institution is acquiring a considerable aggregate of 

 experience which should prove instructive. Complete or nearly complete 

 data for the items of cost of publication of 8i volumes issued by the Institu- 

 tion are now at hand. 



