Public Health (Journal of the Society)

In Jan 1888 it was proposed that a monthly journal replace Transactions to publish the Society's views, proceedings and scientific papers read at meetings. The first number appeared on 1 May 1888. The original printers was Messrs Collingridge (see B.1/5 and K.27 re: original agreement).

The contents of the journal, subject to minor variations and changes of emphasis over the years, include: Proceedings of the Society, its Branches and Groups, including agenda, minutes* or reports of meetings; annual financial statements; annual reports of the Council, Treasurer and Editor; lists of newly elected officers, Council and members; prizes awarded; news and forthcoming events such as conferences, courses and symposia; appointments, resignations and obituaries; evidence submitted by the Society to Government committees and working parties; texts or reports of presidential addresses; texts (often illustrated) of scientific papers read at meetings with summaries of discussions following;

Articles of varying length and detail, often illustrated;

Information and news relating to MOHs, public health developments and current issues, including reports on legal cases, bills, legislation, government committees and commissions, conferences and new products;

Reviews of books and published reports and lists of relevant recent literature;

Letters to the editor

In Apr 1957 (see J.3/73), following a re-organisation of the Society's administration and a comprehensive editorial review, the style, as well as the format, of the journal changed. The content remained basically the same, however, the approach was more businesslike and scientific, bringing Public Health more into line with other monthly medical periodicals. In the 1960s the amount of space allocated to Society proceedings, literature reviews and general public health news was considerably reduced, with articles, papers and reports on committees and working parties gaining increased prominence. Only brief summaries of central, branch and group meetings and activities were included. From mid-1984 minutes of Council and, later, AGMs are included again.

*A number of central, branch and group minute books contain pasted-in minutes which were the official version printed in the journal.

1891-1994

11 boxes, 9 oversize boxes