Metascience Journal

Abstract

The journal Metascience was launched by the Australasian Association for the History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science (AAHPSSS) in 1984. Papers from the AAHPSSS annual conferences had previously been circulated as unedited typescripts in the Association's 'Proceedings', but with the advent of Metascience a vehicle was created for the publication of members' research in a peer-reviewed and professionally edited format. Since the AAHPSSS membership fee included a subscription to Metascience, the journal also provided a tangible benefit to members and contributed to the expansion of the Association's membership beyond those whose principal focus was the annual conference. Much of the impetus for the founding of Metascience came from Ian Langham (University of Sydney), and it was originally expected that he would serve as co-editor with W. R. Albury, professor of history and philosophy of science at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). But the tragic death of Langham in 1984 left Albury as sole editor, a position which he held until the end of 1990. At various times during that period Ditta Bartels (UNSW) and David P. Miller (UNSW) also assisted as deputy editors. Metascience appeared annually from 1984 to 1987, and then biannually from 1988 to 1990. During these years it published thirty articles and discussion papers by Australasian scholars in the history, philosophy and social studies of science (HPSSS), and by international visitors to conferences held in the region. A book review section was added in 1985, which gradually became a leading feature of the journal.