On editing the Journal: Ave atque vale.

Dr. Braceland discusses his 13-year tenure (1965-1978) as Editor of the American Journal of Psychiatry, noting that he took office during a period of social turmoil that in many ways resembled the decade of the Journal's founding 134 years ago. He describes the advantages and disadvantages of the peer review system he introduced to the Journal and states that this approach is essential in a time of ultraspecialization. He reviews the crafts of editing and writing for medical journals, both of which are brightened by clarity and brevity. As to the future of medical journals, he considers reports of their demise premature, while acknowledging the problems they face. Dr. Braceland briefly considered a "rocking chair" approach to his retirement from the Editorship, but the Editor Emeritus will instead continue to provide whatever assistance he can to his colleagues.