The British Journal of Surgery Vol. 65 :No. 6 :June 1978
Br. J. Surg. Vol. 65 (1978) 373
Mr H. H. G. Eastcott, MS, FRCS, FACS (Hon.) THIS issue of the British Journal of Surgery is of particular significance, as it marks the end of Mr H. H. G. Eastcott’s period as Editorial Secretary. Felix, as he is known to countless surgeons throughout the world, took over the post from Sir Cecil Wakeley in May 1972, and in the six years that have followed, despite his many other activities and responsibilities, he has given unstintingly of his time and energies to the affairs of the Journal. Almost every weekend in these years, except for his brief holidays, he has worked his way through the pile of manuscripts coming to him from the Editorial Offices, selecting, correcting, distributing papers to referees (often with a penetrating annotation in his own hand), and adjudicating on countless questions with an accuracy, discretion and celerity which have earned the admiration of his colleagues on the Editorial Committee. Felix brought to this task not only limitless enthusiasm, but a wide knowledge of surgeons and surgery, a rare capacity for the just appraisal of the many manuscripts reaching his desk from all over the world and an ability to impose, in the friendliest of manner, his own high standards upon all aspects of the Journal. During the years that Mr Eastcott has been Editorial Secretary the editorial structure and work of the Journal have been completely reorganized, and at the same time the format has been changed. Throughout all this, his wisdom and cheerful confrontation of all difficulties have been an important factor in enabling the Journal to overcome successfully the problems inherent in these changes. Modest with respect of his own contributions and generous to the efforts of his colleagues, at all times a devoted servant of the Journal, Felix’s cheerful company and shrewd, balanced judgement will be sorely missed from the meetings of the Editorial Committee. As he gives up his responsibilities, he carries with him the sincere and profound gratitude of his colleagues on the Journal and of its many readers. At the same time, Professor Charles Clark is giving up his position as Assistant Editorial Secretary, a post he also has held for the past six years. During these years he has not only assisted and deputized for Mr Eastcott, but has played a major role in all the affairs of the Journal: the Journal is indeed fortunate that he has agreed to continue to serve on the Editorial Committee. Mr Eastcott and Professor Clark can lay down their editorial responsibilities in the certain knowledge that 30
Mr H. H. G. Eastcott, Editorial Secretary 1972-78.
in their years in office the Journal has gained in reputation and esteem, as shown by the fact that in each year the circulation has increased, a sure reflection of the magnitude of their achievement. Mr Eastcott is replaced as Editorial Secretary by Mr Crawford Jamieson, and it is a sign of the growth of the Journal that he will be assisted by two Editorial Secretaries, Mr John Alexander-Williams and Mr Christopher Russell. As they take up office, they can be assured of the support and good wishes of their colleagues on the Editorial Committee, and readers can be assured that the editorial affairs of the Journal are in the hands of a zealous and competent team. L. P. LE QUESNE CHAIRMAN
Br. J. Surg. Vol. 65 (1978) 373
Mr H. H. G. Eastcott, MS, FRCS, FACS (Hon.) THIS issue of the British Journal of Surgery is of particular significance, as it marks the end of Mr H. H. G. Eastcott’s period as Editorial Secretary. Felix, as he is known to countless surgeons throughout the world, took over the post from Sir Cecil Wakeley in May 1972, and in the six years that have followed, despite his many other activities and responsibilities, he has given unstintingly of his time and energies to the affairs of the Journal. Almost every weekend in these years, except for his brief holidays, he has worked his way through the pile of manuscripts coming to him from the Editorial Offices, selecting, correcting, distributing papers to referees (often with a penetrating annotation in his own hand), and adjudicating on countless questions with an accuracy, discretion and celerity which have earned the admiration of his colleagues on the Editorial Committee. Felix brought to this task not only limitless enthusiasm, but a wide knowledge of surgeons and surgery, a rare capacity for the just appraisal of the many manuscripts reaching his desk from all over the world and an ability to impose, in the friendliest of manner, his own high standards upon all aspects of the Journal. During the years that Mr Eastcott has been Editorial Secretary the editorial structure and work of the Journal have been completely reorganized, and at the same time the format has been changed. Throughout all this, his wisdom and cheerful confrontation of all difficulties have been an important factor in enabling the Journal to overcome successfully the problems inherent in these changes. Modest with respect of his own contributions and generous to the efforts of his colleagues, at all times a devoted servant of the Journal, Felix’s cheerful company and shrewd, balanced judgement will be sorely missed from the meetings of the Editorial Committee. As he gives up his responsibilities, he carries with him the sincere and profound gratitude of his colleagues on the Journal and of its many readers. At the same time, Professor Charles Clark is giving up his position as Assistant Editorial Secretary, a post he also has held for the past six years. During these years he has not only assisted and deputized for Mr Eastcott, but has played a major role in all the affairs of the Journal: the Journal is indeed fortunate that he has agreed to continue to serve on the Editorial Committee. Mr Eastcott and Professor Clark can lay down their editorial responsibilities in the certain knowledge that 30
Mr H. H. G. Eastcott, Editorial Secretary 1972-78.
in their years in office the Journal has gained in reputation and esteem, as shown by the fact that in each year the circulation has increased, a sure reflection of the magnitude of their achievement. Mr Eastcott is replaced as Editorial Secretary by Mr Crawford Jamieson, and it is a sign of the growth of the Journal that he will be assisted by two Editorial Secretaries, Mr John Alexander-Williams and Mr Christopher Russell. As they take up office, they can be assured of the support and good wishes of their colleagues on the Editorial Committee, and readers can be assured that the editorial affairs of the Journal are in the hands of a zealous and competent team. L. P. LE QUESNE CHAIRMAN
