| I have done a bibliometric research about the Spanish medical literature. For that purpose I have used one of the most important medical publications of that period, La Gaceta Medica Catalana, as a support. I have study the second period of the magazine, from 1900 to its extinction in December of 1921, through the permanent section called Publicaciones recibidas. In this section we can find the editorial novelties in medicine in the period. Likewise, it provides the theoretical basis of my research. A double view on the thesis is presented: on the one hand, a bibliometric study applying the main bibliometric laws; and on the other hand, a historical study with a complete analysis of the situation. I have gone through the historical period in which the publication is framed, in general terms, as well as focusing on the history of Spanish edition. We have also analyzed the magazine, its history, its main events, etc. I contribute a new comparative study with the most relevant medical reviews in those years to evidence the importance of the publication above mentioned. I have gone deep into the identity of the director and founder of the magazine, Rafael Rodriguez Mendez, his life, his career, etc. He was the soul of the magazine until his death and one of the main medical figures at this time. Finally, I have enclosed three appendixes: the first including the bibliographic information about the books, obtained from the research; the second being a summary of Rafael Rodriguez Mendez's main academic achievements; and the third one containing the articles written by Santiago Ramon y Cajal and published in the magazine. |
