Scientific American

Scientific American began as a weekly broadsheet newspaper in 1845, founded by inventor Rufus Porter, who sold it within months to Orson Desaix Munn. Under Munn, it became a leading patent advocate, publishing detailed engravings of new inventions and promoting technological progress. In the 20th century, it transitioned to a monthly magazine, and in 1948 it was acquired by the publisher Gerard Piel, who modernized its format and expanded its scope to include all fields of science. The magazine has been owned by Nature Publishing Group (now Springer Nature) since 2009, and it has maintained a strong online presence, with a website that offers articles, podcasts, and newsletters.

Scientific American is known for its in-depth feature articles written by scientists and journalists, covering topics from cosmology to neuroscience. It has published seminal works, such as Albert Einstein's 1950 article on the unified field theory and the 1999 special issue on the human genome. The magazine has also been a platform for public debates on issues like climate change and evolution, and it has a long history of advocating for science-based policy. Its editors have included notable figures like Dennis Flanagan and John Rennie, and it has won numerous awards for journalism.

Beyond its mainstream reputation, Scientific American has a rich history of niche contributions. In the 19th century, it published the first description of the sewing machine and the telephone, and it played a role in the development of the U.S. patent system. The magazine has also featured columns by Martin Gardner, whose 'Mathematical Games' ran from 1956 to 1981 and inspired generations of mathematicians. In recent years, it has launched initiatives like 'Science in Action' and 'The Science of Health', and it has a Spanish-language edition, Investigación y Ciencia, published since 1976. The magazine's archive is a valuable resource for historians, containing over 170 years of scientific reporting.

In the digital age, Scientific American has adapted by offering online subscriptions, a mobile app, and a podcast series like 'Science, Quickly'. It has also embraced open access for some content and has a strong social media presence. The magazine faces challenges common to print media, but its brand remains strong, with a readership that includes both scientists and the general public. In 2020, it made headlines by endorsing a presidential candidate for the first time in its history, reflecting its commitment to science-based policy. As it moves forward, it continues to explore new formats, including video and interactive graphics, to engage a broader audience.

Rufus Porter

American inventor and founder of Scientific American.

Martin Gardner

Longtime columnist for Scientific American, known for his Mathematical Games column.

Springer Nature

Publishing company that has owned Scientific American since 2009.