Hepatic trace elements in the sudden infant death syndrome

Citation study of peripheral theories in an expanding research front

In most research fields, particular theories and lines of study tend to become dominant. Thomas Kuhn has shown that 'scientific revolutions' nevertheless occur. Citations in an ex panding research area are analysed with particular reference to a few theories which conflict with the mainstream of scientific thought on the topic. The progress of these theories past editors and referees into the primary literature and, if they make it, into citations and reviews is examined. The example used concentrates on mechanisms rather than the validity or other wise of the theories reported.