THE EDITOR'S CORNER

There are many papers of merit that have never been published. This group includes theses that have been written in partial fulfillment of requirements for master's degrees, Boards, and certification. Some of these, by virtue of continued reference in the literature and in courses, have acquired a status of classical papers.

In spite of the fact that JPO had no intention of becoming research oriented, we intend to invite publication of those unpublished papers which fall into the area of classics or semi-classics, and to publish them as they were written. We should also hope to provide an avenue of publication for those other papers which represent great effort and frequently harbor material that should be of interest and value to us all. Sometimes a modification in form or an updating of their content may be in order.

We are beginning this service in this issue of JPO with the publication of the thesis of Dr. Doyle Baldridge entitled "Leveling the Curve of Spee: Its Effect on Mandibular Arch Length." We are grateful to Dr. Baldridge and to the University of Tennessee Department of Orthodontics and we are pleased to be able to make this paper available to the profession.

I want to be absolutely clear that in doing this we have no intention of intruding on the prerogatives of the orthodontic departments or the American Board. We mean only to broaden the publication base and make publication space available for papers of merit that have not found publication. In line with our policy, our emphasis will be on papers which are concerned more with the treatment of the orthodontic patient and the management of the orthodontic practice.