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  • From the Editor
  • Alicia Turner

This issue represents an exciting new direction for The Journal of Burma Studies. We are very pleased to expand our offerings of original articles to respond to the wealth of new research in the field. In addition, with this issue we introduce two new sections: Research Notes that report on broader themes and works in progress, and Scholarly Curiosities, short descriptions of objects from various disciplines.

This issue features a special section of articles reflecting on the role of medicine in colonial Burma. The genesis of this collection was a panel organized by Monique Skidmore at the 2006 International Burma Studies Conference in Singapore. The positive response to that panel inspired our authors to compose a set of articles in conversation that expand our understanding of workings of colonial discourse and local response. In addition, we are pleased to offer an article on alchemy that offers access to the insights of contemporary fieldwork in this fascinating area of Burmese religiosity.

The new Research Notes section continues the Journal's tradition of presenting materials that offer a broad orientation to one aspect of our field. Christian Lammerts' contribution on Burmese manuscripts offers a vital introduction to this wide-ranging area that will be useful for many in their research.

We inaugurate the Scholarly Curiosities section with a piece from our own General Editor and Director of the Center for Burma Studies, Catherine Raymond, depicting the manuscript that graces our new cover.

There are even greater plans in the works for the Journal in the coming year. 2011 will see our expansion to two issues per year, as well as the formation of our international advisory board and new editorial positions. The Journal is a vital medium of the community of scholars studying Burma/Myanmar. The growth in scholarship in the field makes this a particularly exciting moment for the Journal, but its future is reliant on the community's continuing support both financially in subscriptions and in contributions of articles. We look forward to your feedback on the Journal as well as your subscriptions and manuscript submissions. [End Page vi]

Alicia Turner
turnera@yorku.ca
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