Introduction to the Historical Perspective

Abstract

The creation of this new section of the Journal of Scientific Exploration (JSE) reflects the traditional view that one of the best ways to understand a discipline is through a study of its history.  The historical perspective illuminates the intellectual and social factors leading to the development of science, including issues such as emphases on particular phenomena or topics, as well as methodology and theory.  Study of the areas covered by JSE has much to gain from study of their past.