What's in a name?

One of the crucial decisions in any new project is the choice of its name. Whether deliberately or not, names reveal goals and visions. This is especially true when the intrinsic nature of the project has to do with language itself-as in the case of a journal. In a world overpopulated by scientific and professional periodicals, titles delimit identity and scope, disciplinary and geographical boundaries, traditions and affiliations. A title is, in sum, a public promise. As such, it determines to a large extent the attractiveness of the journal both to readers and contributors.

That is why the relaunching of the Bulletin was preceded by detailed discussions about its title. The decision to keep the original name reflects the intention of building on a proud tradition. Enriching rather than destroying the past is the key to true innovation.

At the same time that the heritage of the Bulletin was recognized explicitly, it was also necessary to indicate the birth of a new era in its history. The way to meet this double requirement was by the addition of a subtitle: The International Journal of Public Health. Every word in it is the result of deliberation, which should be shared with the readers.

The...