The UK Royal Society has released over 1,600 historic reports from 1949 to 1954, including a review by Dorothy Hodgkin. The journal was the first to establish peer review, offering insight into the evolution of the process. The archive reveals that bias was common, as authors’ identities influenced reviewers’ opinions. Referees were also asked to help control printing costs and assess the geopolitical implications of scientific manuscripts. Despite critiques, some reviewers offered valuable feedback on significant scientific discoveries. The archive also highlights the development of standardized reviewer questions and the impact of early computing on peer review processes.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-03287-4