Internet-Based Medical Information: Time to Take Charge

The paper by Glowniak [1] in this issue stands as proof that we are entering a new era. The electronic resources he describes are likely to revolutionize the delivery of medical information and, as some have predicted, may even lead to a transformation of health care itself [2]. A recent editorial by Frank Davidoff [3] indicates Annals' intention to be a part of this revolution; inevitably, other journals will follow. Glowniak highlights some of the unique and informative services available through the Internet. It is easy to imagine, given the publishing power that the Internet provides, how it could help shape our profession. Those who are already Internet publishers understand this power and the respect that it demands. However, with power comes responsibility, and now it is time for us—the nation's health care providers—to take charge.

For an understanding of our position, it is important to trace the developments that have led to the recent avalanche of Internet use. The Internet is an outgrowth of the U.S. Department of Defense network ARPANET (Advanced Research Project Agency network), which was introduced in 1969 [4]. This project spawned the development of a standard protocol for network communication known as TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol) [5]. This protocol is currently used to connect all Internet computers. The expansion of the Internet was initially slow, growing from four facilities at ARPANET's inception to a mere 235 hosts (defined as computers on the Internet that can provide services) …