From Mr J. R. Fowler, FRPharmS
SIR,-I read with great concern the news (PJ, March 25, p465) of the possibility of a non-pharmacist being appointed to edit Martindale. I find it difficult to believe how this could be considered by any appointment board that has a glimmer of what is involved in producing this key publication of the Society. I have known the Martindale team over many years and from my own editorial experience have some understanding of the depth of dedication, skill, care and knowledge that goes into the making of this vital source of information. The task is both enormous and intense, as stressed in April last year (PJ, April 24, 1999, 591) by Anne Prasad, herself an assistant editor before she took over the British National Formulary.
I recall a previous occasion when an outside editor was appointed to no obvious advantage. If it is felt that an overview of input would benefit the undertaking, might it not be a sounder policy to have the advisory help of, for example, the equivalent of the BNF Joint Formulary Committee, which could offer a spread of experience. The team has shown that it is well able to adjust to change, as witnessed by the huge upheaval that was required in computerisation, but this was largely carried out by the team members themselves with the full understanding of all that was involved. The problems that can arise from outside intervention by persons failing to appreciate the complexity of an undertaking should not be overlooked.
John Fowler
Egham, Surrey