Visualizing the Marrow of Science

Abstract

This study proposes a new methodology that allows for the generation of scientograms of major scientific domains, constructed on the basis of cocitation of ISI categories, and pruned using Pathfinder Network, with a layout determined by algorithms of the spring-embedder type (Kamada-Kawai), then corroborated structurally by Factor analysis. We present the complete scientogram of the world for the year 2002. It integrates the natural sciences, the social sciences, arts and humanities. Its basic structure and the essential relationships therein are revealed, allowing us to analyze at the same time the macrostructure, microstructure and marrow of worldwide scientific output.