1999 has been yet another successful year forThorax with an improved impact factor (2.861, ISI Statistics, 1999) of which all who contribute to the journal can be proud.1 These new figures reflect the fact that we are now receiving work of the highest quality. Our initial policy aim of attracting high quality submissions is now taking effect, and we still believe that the journal can continue to improve and provide a competitive international forum for the best research in respiratory medicine.

Thorax has continued its development during the last year. The number of submissions remains high; out of 812 total submissions (including letters), 453 were original papers, the highest figure for five years (table 1), and in September we had the highest number submitted …