Osiris (journal)
George Sarton stood at the lectern of Harvard University in 1936. He held a vision for a new publication that would serve scholars differently than existing journals. The History of Science Society joined him to launch this venture. They named it Osiris after an ancient Egyptian god associated with knowledge and resurrection. This journal was not meant for short notes or quick updates. It existed to publish lengthy historical papers that did not fit the format of Isis, its partner publication. Sarton needed a space where researchers could explore complex topics without strict word limits. The first issue appeared that same year under his direct supervision.
The editor George Sarton guided fifteen issues from 1936 through 1968. His tenure spanned over three decades of academic history. Each volume carried his name as the driving force behind its content. Scholars submitted manuscripts directly to his office at Harvard. He reviewed every submission personally before granting approval for print. This hands-on approach ensured consistency across all fifteen volumes. No other editor oversaw such a long continuous run during those early years. When he stepped down in 1968, the journal entered a period of silence. Fifteen issues remained as the only record of his editorial leadership.
A gap in publication stretched from 1968 until 1985. The History of Science Society decided to bring Osiris back to life after seventeen years of absence. They resumed annual publishing starting in 1985 with a new generation of editors. One exception occurred when no issue appeared in 1991. Despite this single missing year, the society has maintained an unbroken cycle since then. Modern scholars now submit papers to a digital archive rather than physical mailboxes. The journal continues to serve as a primary venue for historical research in science and medicine. Its revival marked a return to regular scholarly dialogue after a long pause.
The University of Chicago Press handles distribution for current volumes today. This partnership manages printing, shipping, and online access for subscribers worldwide. Missing issues from earlier decades are tracked through their archives. Researchers can request specific back numbers directly from the press office. The agreement ensures that all fifteen original Sarton-era issues remain available for study. Digital copies complement physical bound volumes for modern readers. This logistical framework supports both academic libraries and independent researchers seeking primary sources.
Osiris focuses exclusively on the history of science, medicine, and technology. It does not cover general scientific discovery or contemporary laboratory work. Papers must examine past events within these three fields. A study of ancient Greek astronomy fits its criteria perfectly. A report on modern gene editing would fall outside its scope. The journal maintains strict boundaries around what constitutes historical analysis versus current practice. This narrow focus allows editors to curate content with precision. Scholars specializing in medical history find it particularly valuable for their work.
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Common questions
When was the journal Osiris first published by George Sarton?
The journal Osiris first appeared in 1936 under the direct supervision of George Sarton. The History of Science Society joined him to launch this venture that same year.
How many issues did George Sarton edit for Osiris between 1936 and 1968?
George Sarton edited fifteen issues from 1936 through 1968. His tenure spanned over three decades of academic history with no other editor overseeing such a long continuous run during those early years.
Why did publication of Osiris stop after 1968?
Publication stopped when George Sarton stepped down as editor in 1968. The journal entered a period of silence until the History of Science Society decided to bring it back to life seventeen years later.
In what year did the History of Science Society resume publishing Osiris?
The History of Science Society resumed annual publishing starting in 1985 after seventeen years of absence. One exception occurred when no issue appeared in 1991, but the society has maintained an unbroken cycle since then.
Which organization currently handles distribution for Osiris volumes?
The University of Chicago Press handles distribution for current volumes today. This partnership manages printing, shipping, and online access for subscribers worldwide while ensuring all fifteen original Sarton-era issues remain available for study.