Data bases

[Gideon Goldenberg]

That databases are databases, and journal articles are journal
articles goes without saying. The clear and sharp distinction
between research and materials is essential. The latter will be
needed to illustrate scholarly discussion, but data themselves
are not research even though they require thoughtful preparation.
When electronic means became available there was the hope that
from then on the mere accumulation of data would no longer be
able to give credit of scientific work; it unfortunately turns
to go the other way about.
To share databases with others is OK and can be beneficial,
but do not mistake it for research.