The Journal has attempted to project a good image of pediatrics in the country by publishing outstanding investigative work. The educative component has been a chief consideration and besides original articles and case reports, review articles of different forms have been regularly included. A few special supplements have been published, notably one on ‘Emergencies in Pediatrics.’

The physical qualities of the Journal are constrained by the availability of funds. Members of the Academy receive the Journal at a very subsidized rate. For each copy, an IAP member pays only Rs. 4/- which includes the cost of postage. The printing costs, which are increasing every year, are partly met by advertising revenues. It has been very difficult to increase such income. We have had to discontinue advertisements of powdered milk and those of some indigenous medical products. We emphasize that advertisement of a product does not imply its endorsement by the Journal. Members who read the Journal should be well aware of correct prescribing practices and usage of drugs. The Journal has published numerous articles on infant feeding and drug therapy. Publication of an advertisement giving information on powered milk or weaning foods should not be taken as a measure against breast feeding or other recommended feeding practices. Similarly, drug advertisements must not be construed as having the Journal’s tacit approval for their promotion. Pharmaceutical companies have a right to advertise and inform about their products; the actual usage of a drug is ultimately the decision of an individual, which may be affected by a number of factors.

The scientific merit of the contents of a Journal depends upon the material it receives. We have repeatedly pleaded with our contributors to submit their outstanding work to the Journal. To avoid delay in processing and editing we are introducing a checklist to ensure that the manuscripts are prepared in the required format. The authors must submit the checklist along with the manuscript.

This issue contains a reproduction from the January 1966 number of Journal giving the memorandum of the Academy and the names of the members of the first executive board. There is an account of the history of the Academy by Dr PM Udani. This issue also includes accounts of the development of pediatrics in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamilnadu. Similar articles concerning other states will appear in subsequent issues. Abstracts of important articles published during the last 24 years will also be included.

The Journal will shortly have an independent office and improved secretarial facilities. We will do our best to take a prompt action in processing the manuscripts and to ensure their early publication.

We are grateful to our contributors, referees and the readers. Their continued help will be needed for a steady progress of the Journal.