— Ch. 1 · Founding And Early History —
Nature (journal).
~6 min read · Ch. 1 of 6
The autumn of 1869 marked the birth of a new scientific voice in London. Norman Lockyer, a professor at Imperial College, launched Nature as a weekly journal to serve as a public forum for scientific innovations. Alexander Macmillan provided the financial backing that allowed the publication to flourish during its first years. The name itself came from a line by William Wordsworth: "To the solid ground of nature trusts the Mind that builds for aye". This choice signaled an intent to connect cultivated readers with advances in knowledge rather than just specialists.
Earlier attempts to create similar journals had failed within a decade or two. Recreative Science ceased publication in 1871 after starting in 1859. Popular Science Review lasted until 1881 but could not sustain momentum beyond twenty years. Scientific Opinion folded after only two years ending in June 1870. The Reader terminated in 1867 shortly before Lockyer began his own venture. These predecessors all struggled to find a lasting audience despite their efforts to mix science with literature and art.
Nature survived where others fell partly because it attracted members of the X Club. Thomas Henry Huxley initiated this group which included Joseph Dalton Hooker, Herbert Spencer, and John Tyndall. They were scientists known for liberal and progressive beliefs regarding evolution theory. Their support helped establish the journal's reputation among more conservative groups who often criticized Darwinian ideas. John Maddox later noted that the journalistic qualities drew readers in while creating a sense of community among isolated researchers.
Editorial Evolution And Leadership
Norman Lockyer served as editor from 1869 until his death in 1920. Sir Richard Gregory succeeded him in 1919 and helped establish Nature in the international scientific community. Gregory gave generous space to accounts of activities by International Scientific Unions during his tenure. His obituary by the Royal Society highlighted his interest in global contacts for science.
The period between 1945 and 1973 saw three changes in editorship. A. J. V. Gale and L. J. F. Brimble took over first before Brimble became sole editor in 1958. John Maddox assumed control in 1965 and returned again in 1980 retaining the position until 1995. David Davies led the journal from 1973 to 1980. Philip Campbell became editor-in-chief of all Nature publications until 2018 when Magdalena Skipper took the role.
Maddox's long service spanned two distinct eras of the journal's history. He oversaw the split into separate sections like Nature Physical Sciences and Nature New Biology in 1971. These were later merged back into a single weekly format starting in 1974 when Maddox stepped down as editor. The editorial decisions made during these decades shaped how research reached the wider public through carefully selected articles.