Development of Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential (1976-1995)
This table compares evolution of different sections of the Encyclopedia between the lst edition (1976) and the 4th edition (1994-95). The 4th edition was in three volumes, of which the third (Strategies) appeared in 1995. Statistics on subsequent development of the databases for the web are presented separately. The table also reconciles the different ordering systems used in the different editions. See explanatory notes.
[a] Total problems for 1991 includes 344 entries in subsection PA: Fundamental Abstract Problems, excluded from the 1994 edition. The more tangible aspects of these problems have been incorporated into entries in the PB and PF sections. Other aspects are taken up in the values section (Section V) in Volume 2. It also includes around 1,160 problems which were deemed "unsatisfactory" or "doubtful" and so should not have been included in the total of problems for 1991 (actually around 12,000 rather than 13,167). Such problems have not been included in 1994 totals. This explains the apparent reduction in the population of problems, which has in fact remained (numerically) virtually constant (rising fractionally) between 1991 and 1994. Detailed breakdowns for 1994, including cross-references, are presented in a separate table.
[b] The 1986 and 1991 editions of the Encyclopedia contained subsections with descriptive entries which have not been modified, and for reasons of space do not appear in the 4th edition. They are Section K: Integrative Concepts (632 entries), Embodying discontinuity (70) and Patterning disagreement (20); Section M: Patterns of concepts (3491) and Symbols (636); and Section T: Transformative Conferencing (240) and Transformative Policy Cycles (64). The 1986 edition also contained a section on Strategies, with 7,959 entries of various types. This material was updated and enlarged to form Volume 3 of the 4th edition of the Encyclopedia. Refer to the Introductory Note 2.3 Content: modifications, improvements and additions (Vol 1, p.33) and the Statistical commentary on modifications to world problems for more detailed information on changes to the content of the Encyclopedia.
[c] In addition to the entries indicated, the 1976 edition contained the following sections which have not appeared in subsequent editions: International organizations (3300 entries), Traded products and commodities (241), Intellectual disciplines and sciences (1845), Economic and industrial sectors (132), Occupations and jobs (739), Multinational corporations (606), Human diseases (775), International periodicals (1197), Multilateral treaties (931). It should be noted, however, that international organizations (31,085) are described in the Yearbook of International Organizations (UIA, 1994). Volume 3 of that series also classifies organizations and treaties by subject (around 3000 categories).
[d] Total includes bibliographic references for Sections K, M and T of Volume 2.