Editor's column: Dates of scientific publications

Abstract

Many of the dates stated at various places in scientific publications have been taken over from older publication systems and serve no practical or modern function. In biological and geological publications the actual date of publication is of primary importance, serving as the base for priority in botanical and zoological nomenclature. The date of manuscript conclusion is of practical importance, showing the time up to which older literature can be expected to be covered in the references. It is not the task of the editor or serial to provide arbitration on priority of ideas by stating a date of submission or receipt of manuscripts.