CHAPTER 4 - Mathematical Periodicals and Abstracts

Abstract

This chapter discusses the history and importance of mathematical periodical publications. Generally, mathematical periodicals are issued by three different kinds of publishers: universities, societies, and commercial houses. In mathematics, the universities of many countries continue to make valuable contributions by the publication of the results of basic research. When a particular society has a large publishing programmed, it may issue several periodicals, each devoted to a different aspect of the society's activities. There are several instances where mathematical societies place the publication of their periodicals in the hands of commercial houses. Most countries with an academic tradition produce at least one mathematical periodical that is internationally recognized. The chapter also discusses the abstracting and indexing publications that provide short cuts and obviate the tedious job of checking annual indexes of individual titles of periodicals. Abstracting publications usually appear in the form of periodicals, though some are issued on index cards that can be selectively filed to suit the individual requirements of the subscriber.