Physica: A Comprehensive History of the Elsevier Physics Journal Series
In the realm of scientific communication, few publications have evolved as dynamically as Physica. This Dutch series of peer-reviewed journals serves as a critical venue for physics research, transitioning from a national society publication to a globally recognized suite of specialized journals managed by Elsevier.
The Evolution of Physica
The origins of Physica date back to 1921, when it began as the official journal of the Nederlandse Natuurkundige Vereniging (Netherlands Physical Society). In its earliest years, the publication primarily featured research written in Dutch, catering to the local scientific community.
A significant shift occurred in 1934 when the North-Holland Publishing Company took over the journal. While the name remained the same, the transition introduced a new volume numbering system, marking the beginning of its expansion into the international scientific arena.
As the field of physics expanded in complexity and scope, the single journal format became insufficient. In 1975, Physica was split into a three-part series: Physica A, Physica B, and Physica C. This specialization continued with the launch of Physica D in 1980 and Physica E in 1998.
Originally published in Utrecht, the entire series moved its publishing operations to Amsterdam in 2007, where it continues to be published by Elsevier.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: 1921 as a journal for the Netherlands Physical Society.
- Publisher: Currently published by Elsevier / North-Holland in Amsterdam.
- Structure: A series of five specialized peer-reviewed journals (A, B, C, D, and E).
- Language: Originally published mostly in Dutch; now an English-language series.
- Indexing: Indexed in major databases including Scopus, JSTOR, and NLM.
Journal Specifications and Impact
Each branch of the Physica series focuses on distinct areas of physics, reflected in their varying impact factors (a measure of the frequency with which the average article in a journal has been cited in a particular year). As of 2024, the impact factors range from 1.0 to 3.1 across the different series.
| Journal | ISSN | Impact Factor | Established/Split Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physica A | 0378-4371 | 3.1 | 1975 |
| Physica B | 0921-4526 | 2.8 | 1975 |
| Physica C | 0921-4534 | 1.0 | 1975 |
| Physica D | 0167-2789 | 2.9 | 1980 |
| Physica E | 1386-9477 | 2.9 | 1998 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who currently publishes the Physica journals?
The journals are published by Elsevier / North-Holland and are based in Amsterdam.
When did Physica transition from a single journal to a series?
The transition began in 1975 when the original journal was split into Physica A, B, and C.
What was the original language of the publication?
When it started in 1921 under the Netherlands Physical Society, it published mostly in Dutch.
Which Physica journal has the highest impact factor in 2024?
Physica A has the highest impact factor among the series, recorded at 3.1 in 2024.
Where was the journal published before moving to Amsterdam?
Physica was published in Utrecht until 2007.