Why Have A Journal?
The first issue of the British Journal of Plastic Surgery (BJPS) appeared in March 1948.
From the start, the Journal’s objectives, as guided by its Editorial Committee, were to advance education in the discipline of plastic surgery, showcasing clinical cases, and reporting on research or experimental work. It also sought to “foster, in a small way, friendly relations with plastic surgeons in other countries”. It was conceived as a quarterly, 80page publication comprising an Editorial, a commentary from a noted specialist in a related field, one short article describing a new technique, five original articles and five case reports. Pages were also set aside for book reviews and reports from various connected Societies. 
The inaugural issue set the standard. Following welcoming forwards from the Presidents of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and Edinburgh, its first paper was “plastic surgery in the training of a surgeon.” A subject which remains pertinent today. The first volume contained 36 original papers in a wide range of topics from distinguished authors with names recognisable to contemporary surgeons for their contribution to plastic surgery – Gillies, McIndoe, Braithwaite, Ragnell, Hynes and Mowlem.
The BJPS made an instant impact due to the quality and breadth of its subject matter, and by simply being available. Following the end of the Second World War, paper, and thus textbooks, were scarce. There was a general lack of, and poor access to, any information at all about plastic surgery. The courses, lectures and conferences of today were virtually non-existent.
The BJPS, became an essential resource, first describing many of the techniques and procedures which formed the basis of the specialty. Its subject matter spanned the breadth of plastic and reconstructive surgery, from congenital anomalies to trauma, major tissue loss to malignancy, hand surgery, burns, aesthetic surgery and research as applied to all. The scope is now so large that many subspecialties have generated their own, more specialised journals.