Historical Articles

What is a historical article and how does it differ from a review?

A historical manuscript is not a typical review. It covers older information, usually from the beginning to a convenient point about 20 years prior to the date of writing. In addition to providing a chronicle of the significant scientific accomplishments, it gives prominence to the persons and circumstances involved in important events and anecdotes that reveal insight to the personalities of key persons. It typically provides as many dates and places as possible, to increase its value to historians. It may provide linkages to other contemporary events of the day, when appropriate. It does not contain abundant citations, but good review articles in the field can be identified.

The principal questions to be addressed are what events were significant (identify when and where) and what forces shaped the course of these events. What people were involved and how did they contribute. The finished product ideally is easy to read and interesting to a broad audience.

The following categories of historical articles are of interest:

1. Historical articles published in Avian Diseases
The recent articles in this category are linked to the history lectures presented during the Annual AAAP meeting. The History Committee proposes presenters for the Lasher-Eckroade History Lecture Series to the AAAP Board of Directors for approval. The presenter is expected to submit a manuscript based on the lecture to Avian Diseases. The manuscript will go through the regular review process and after acceptance are published in Avian Diseases and on the AAAP History of Avian Medicine website section Historical articles published in Avian Diseases.

2. Other manuscripts, books or personal reflections of historical interest are published on the AAAP History of Avian Medicine website in the section Historical documents. Documents can be submitted to the Chair of the History Committee for approval.

3. Articles directly related to the history of the AAAP can be found in the Introduction section History of Avian Medicine by clicking on History of AAAP

How can I suggest a topic for an historical article or an historical document?

Suggestion for topics and presenters for the history lecture and accompanying paper, documents for the section Historical documents (PDF please), and materials directly related to the history of the AAAP can be sent to: 

Dr. K.A. (Ton) Schat, Chair of the History Committee

Tel: 1-607-351-3252