ABSTRACT
SUMMARY. Scientific advances are occurring at such a rapid pace that scientific communications are becoming more like print news media. Scientists want rapid publication and electronic retrieval, but, at the same time, demand careful peer review and criticism of their work. Conventional journals, in which a year or more may ensue between writing and publishing, are ill-equipped to meet these demands. Electronic typesetting and rapid distribution systems of modern publishers are not the slow step in the process; getting rapid competent review is now the critical factor. Scientific publication will lead the way in publication in non-print media and in electronic transfer of reviews. The “electronic book” is closer to reality in primary literature than anywhere else in scientific publication.
