Journal of Scientific Instruments
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The Journal of Scientific Instruments was launched in 1923 by the Institute of Physics to deal with "methods of measurement and the theory, construction and use of instruments as an aid to research in all branches of science and engineering". The first issue was introduced by J J Thompson, then President of the Institute. The idea for the journal was promoted by Sir Richard Glazebrook, the first President, then Director of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). The journal was initially edited at the NPL under the supervision of a scientific advisory committee appointed by the Institute. The need for interdisciplinarity was recognised even then, with the desire to co-opt biologists, engineers, chemists and instrument makers, "as well as physicists", on to the scientific advisory committee.
When the Institute of Physics merged with the Physical Society the journal became the fifth in the prestigious Journal of Physics series: Journal of Physics E: Scientific Instruments.
In 1990 it was decided to rename the journal Measurement Science and Technology to reflect the shift away from many scientists making their own instruments and to recognize the new technology which would be of interest to researchers making measurements of physical, chemical and biological measurands.
The journal is currently published by Institute of Physics Publishing.
