The first issue of the Journal of the Institute of Navigation (Journal of Navigation since 1972 when the Institute assumed the title Royal) appeared in January 1948, ten months after the Institute's foundation. It may be appropriate now, some fifty years later, to record some of its history. The Journal was published ‘Under the authority of the Council and edited by the Executive Secretary’ (an appellation later changed to Director), a situation that was to remain constant so far as personnel goes for the next thirty-six years. It was printed by William Clowes and published by John Murray.