Introduction

Abstract

The theme of this volume is continuities in sociological human ecology. The importance of assessing the degree of continuity of ideas and research findings within disciplines and substantive specialties has been recognized for a long time. Some of the work of Robert Merton and his colleagues at Columbia University, for instance, exemplifies this approach. Indeed it was an appreciation of the utility of their contributions to the accumulation of disciplinary knowledge that led to the title for this collection of original essays.