"The Merck Index": the merits of using computers in publishing

"The Merck Index", an internationally recognized encyclopedia of drugs, chemicals, and biologicals was produced by the traditional method for eight consecutive editions. Owing to the rapidly increasing volume of information and escalating costs of book production, it became desirable to design a computer-assisted production method for preparation of the recently published ninth edition. The method that was developed and used as well as the philosophy behind its use are described.