Welcome to the International Commission of the History of Oceanography!
"How can one explain the autonomous development of biological oceanography when it might have maintained close links with ecology? There are some advantages to having the history of oceanography to ourselves. It is a fleeting pleasure that practically every aspect of the history of the marine sciences is a virgin field, full of intriguing problems and projects. But this is hardly sufficient to compensate for the lack of “critical mass” in the history of oceanography. Whom do you talk to when the new project opens up? How do you keep up with theoretical developments in the history and philosophy of science relevant to the limits of knowledge, the interaction of people and things, and many other topics in historiography? It is too much to expect that the history of oceanography will become a growth industry (Mainline history of science is having a hard enough time surviving in academia), but surely it is time that we became more evangelistic about the virtues and unexplored possibilities of our work."
-Eric L. Mills
After many years and a recent delay in getting the website activated and operational (presidential problems!), ICHO has a website. We invite all members to submit material for posting on teh website, be that information a meeting, call for papers, or material for the newsletter.
For many years, Eric Mills served ICHO not just as its president, but as its brilliant and productive newsletter editor. Since we now have a website, some of the newsletter functions will become "on-going," with an annual download for archival purposes as that year's newsletter. Other functions, especially the bibliography, may actually pass out of use, since there are so many effective and comprehensive bibliographic tools that provide a more comprehensive coverage of our field. However, the "Book Notices" section should gain more attention; ICHO members are encouraged to submit titles of new books, as well as brief "book comments or reviews) to accompany the title.
Additionally, ICHO members are encouraged to provide any and all critiques, ideas, or suggestions to make this website as valuable and as interactive as possible.
Keith R. Benson
President, ICHO