Abstract
In studying the history of the human mind one is impressed again and again by the fact that the growth of the mind is the widening of the range of consciousness, and that each step forward has been a most painful and laborious achievement. One could almost say that nothing is more hateful to man than to give up even a particle of his unconsciousness. Ask those who have tried to introduce a new idea!
The Ides of March is most often associated with the demise of Julius Caesar, however historically it was also a period of celebration with festivals dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war and guardian of agriculture. The latter, less well-known role, resonates with the themes of this month's editorial, which briefly celebrates the ongoing cultivation of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (ANZJP) and outlines the germination of an idea as regards future content.
Growth: It is a pleasure to have German Berrios join the Journal as an Adviser to the Editor alongside Peter Tyrer, who migrates to this position from the International Advisory Board (IAB). Both are editors of leading journals, the History of Psychiatry and The British Journal of Psychiatry respectively. As such they are admirably suited to providing strategic advice and guidance. In harmony with this distinguished duplet from the United Kingdom, additional ‘tones’ from these Isles, in the form of John O'Brien and Peter Gallagher, further enrich the IAB as it undergoes augmented progression with the inclusion of Christopher Bowie, Roy Chengappa and Edward Shorter from North America; James Scott and Richard Bryant from Australia; and Jong-Hoon Kim from Korea.
Roots: The historical allusions at the outset of this editorial draw attention to an issue of considerable importance. Authors targeting the ANZJP must acknowledge pertinent prior publications within the Journal so as to accurately and meaningfully contextualise their findings and comments. This applies to all articles that are submitted to the ANZJP because readers of the publication invariably benefit from continuity of thoughts, ideas and discussion.
The focussing of attention within an article begins from the outset and therefore an overview at the start, that contains adequate background information and provides an engaging update, is likely to facilitate understanding. The introduction of an article can often determine how the remainder is read and to this end it is important that authors and readers begin on the same page.
Continuity of themes and topics of interest within the ANZJP can be readily achieved by making reference to points raised in recent articles. Referring to the findings of others serves to revise and reinforce key points within a field and such reappraisal and repetition is important as it consolidates learning and understanding. Authors therefore need to actively acknowledge the ‘history’ of their topic as recounted by articles within the Journal. This is likely to encourage robust and critical debate that is concurrently healthy for the field and fulfils another function of the Journal namely, providing a scientific forum for discussion.
Finally, in addition to supporting the goals of the Journal, demonstrating familiarity and knowledge of its content is an indication perhaps that authors are genuinely interested in the messages the ANZJP seeks to promote. Being in alignment with the Journal in this manner is clearly advantageous to all concerned and will ultimately strengthen our march towards publication salience.