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— CH. 1 · FOUNDING AND EARLY HISTORY —

The Quarterly Review of Biology

~2 min read · Ch. 1 of 6
6 sections
  • Raymond Pearl established The Quarterly Review of Biology in 1926. He set a course for the publication that prioritized broad biological understanding over narrow specialization. This founding moment created a space where historical and philosophical perspectives could coexist with technical research. Pearl envisioned a journal that would serve scholars across diverse fields within life sciences.

  • The Stony Brook Foundation purchased the journal during the 1960s. H. Bentley Glass served as editor while holding the title of academic vice president at Stony Brook University. This leadership shift moved the publication from its original independent status into an institutional framework. The transition ensured the journal's survival through changing academic landscapes of the mid twentieth century.

  • Liliana M. Dávalos now serves as editor-in-chief of the publication. She holds her position at Stony Brook University. Her leadership continues the tradition of broad, inclusive review articles that define the journal's identity. Under her direction, the editorial team maintains focus on comprehensive treatments of complex biological topics.

  • The University of Chicago Press handles all distribution and production tasks for the journal. This operational relationship allows the editors to focus on content selection rather than logistical management. The press manages the physical and digital delivery of issues to subscribers worldwide. Such partnerships are standard practice for maintaining high-quality scientific publications in modern academia.

  • Since 1926, the journal has presented historical, philosophical, and technical treatments of important biological topics. It publishes outstanding review articles of generous length guided by expansive humanistic understanding. Scholars in policy studies find a home within these pages alongside core biologists. A comprehensive section reviews new biological books to inform educators and researchers about latest life science publications.

  • Biological Abstracts lists this journal among its key resources for life sciences research. BIOSIS Previews includes the publication in its curated database of biological literature. The Science Citation Index tracks citations from articles published within its pages. These indexing services ensure visibility across major academic databases used by researchers globally.

Common questions

Who established The Quarterly Review of Biology in 1926?

Raymond Pearl established The Quarterly Review of Biology in 1926. He set a course for the publication that prioritized broad biological understanding over narrow specialization.

When did Stony Brook Foundation purchase The Quarterly Review of Biology?

The Stony Brook Foundation purchased the journal during the 1960s. H. Bentley Glass served as editor while holding the title of academic vice president at Stony Brook University.

Who currently serves as editor-in-chief of The Quarterly Review of Biology?

Liliana M. Dávalos now serves as editor-in-chief of the publication. She holds her position at Stony Brook University and continues the tradition of broad, inclusive review articles.

Which organization handles distribution and production for The Quarterly Review of Biology?

The University of Chicago Press handles all distribution and production tasks for the journal. This operational relationship allows the editors to focus on content selection rather than logistical management.

What indexing services list The Quarterly Review of Biology among key resources?

Biological Abstracts lists this journal among its key resources for life sciences research. BIOSIS Previews includes the publication in its curated database of biological literature and the Science Citation Index tracks citations from articles published within its pages.