The editor of The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease retracts the article "Observations on Homosexuality Among University Students" by Glover (Vol. 113, pp. 377–387, May 1951). See the scanned pdf of the original article at https://links.lww.com/JNMD/A109. The retracted original manuscript can be accessed online at https://journals.lww.com/jonmd/Citation/1951/11350/OBSERVATIONS_ON_HOMOSEXUALITY_AMONG_UNIVERSITY.1.aspx.
Simon LeVay, PhD, who wrote the groundbreaking study of brain differences between homosexual and heterosexual men almost 30 years ago (LeVay, 1991) has asked that the journal retract an article written 70 years ago (Glover, 1951). The 1951 Glover article supports long discredited beliefs, prejudices, and practices (e.g., conversion therapy) and will be retracted as requested. It will, however, be kept in the journal's archives for its historical value.
As an editor of scientific journals for more than 50 years, I have witnessed the changes brought about by scientific discovery (e.g., that peptic ulcers are caused by bacteria, not worries) as well as societal advances (e.g., same sex marriage). But journals like this one, published papers in the past reflecting many other beliefs we find abhorrent today, such as those on eugenics, the disabled, women, Blacks, sexual problems, and yes, sexuality.
The editor would like to express his gratitude for Dr LeVay's perception, precision, and service to science. The 1951 Glover article is but one that deserve a relook, reappraisal, and perhaps retraction. I invite your responses.
—John A. Talbott, MD
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease.
208(12):915,
December 2020.
