Specialization: Times change, journals change

At various times since the first issue of the American Journal of Physiology was published in 1898, the American Physiological Society has responded to developments in physiology by starting new journals, buying an existing journal, and establishing sections within journals. Now, specialization within physiology demands further modification to clearly defined specialty journals. The pressures that caused this action to be taken are described, as well as the options considered and the implementation of the final plan. The publications program being developed is one that should serve the specialists within the field without penalizing generalists or librarians.