The American Journal of Ophthalmology 1862-1864

The American Journal of Ophthalmology was the first specialty periodical to be published in the Western hemisphere; the first issue appeared in New York City July 1862. Its editor and publisher was Julius Homberger, M.D., aged 22 years, who had emmigrated from Germany in January 1861. Six issues were published the first year and The Journal ceased publication after two issues in 1864. Possibly, the American Ophthalmological Society, the first national medical specialty society, was founded in 1864 in a reaction to Homberger, his journal, and his strong belief that specialists, but not other practitioners, should be permitted to advertise their skills. In 1866, Homberger submitted his resignation to the American Medical Association, which he had served a secretary of the Section on Surgery, 1864-1865. His resignation was refused and he was expelled from membership in 1868. He moved to New Orleans to practice ophthalmology in 1867, and died in 1872. The second series of The Journal began in St. Louis in 1884 with Adolf Alt, A graduate of Heidelberg University, who trained in ophthalmology in New York City, with Hermann Knapp, founder, editor, and publisher of the Archives of Ophthalmology. In 1918, the current third series of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, consolidated five ophthalmic publications, with Edward Jackson of Denver as editor.