Growth and Quality of the Mathematical Literature

TLDR: May as discussed by the authors analyzed the entire literature in FIGURE 1 and showed that a small sample consisting of all publications on one topic has the decisive advantage of revealing the interrelationships between papers and the contrasts between the genetic patterns of an entire discipline.

Abstract: To analyze the entire literature in FIGURE 1. Cumulative totals of the entire detail is beyond individual resources, mathematical literature N (right scale) and of but some hints can be obtained from determinants D (left scale). The scale for N a small sample. Randomized choice has been contracted by a factor of 100. Both might yield examples with \"typical\" curves are smoothed but fit the data very individual characteristics, but a closely. sample consisting of all publications on one topic has the decisive advantage of revealing the interrelationships between papers and the contrasts between the genetic patterns of an entire discipline and of * University of Toronto. Bibliographic paper has been filmed by the Mathematical search was supported by the Penrose Fund Association of America under the title \"Who of the American Philosophical Society, counts Killed Determinants?\" and is distributed by and calculations by the Society of Sigma Xi. Modern Learning Aids. The National Science Foundation and Office 1 For the derivation of the curve and furof Education provided partial support for ther details see K. O. May, \"Quantitative my historical research during 1964-1966. A Growth of the Mathematical Literature,\" lecture based on an earlier version of this Science, 1966, 154 (No. 3757): 1672-1673.