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In this article, as Editor Emeritus, I review the early evolution of the Journal. It began with the Bulletin, of which I was Editor. It became necessary to give more attention and space to the publication of group discussions and panels.
The early days of the Journal were characterized at times by internecine strife of a personal, political, and scientific nature. My ability to deal with this situation was hampered by my lack of knowledge, and even an amateurish quality concerned with editing a journal, although I had had considerable experience in editing The Annual Survey of Psychoanalysis.
Out of the realization of the impact of this strife on the scientific activities of the Journal, grew the firm determination to emphasize the role of the Editor and the Journal as free from the political fluctuations that characterized the Association from time to time. This was essential in establishing freedom from pressure, and autonomy insofar as the scientific activities of the Journal were concerned. It was indicated especially in setting up the criteria for selection of papers, so as to create a climate of fairness and objectivity. These criteria are stated in the article.
How the various problems mentioned above were dealt with is described in this contribution.