EDITORIAL

Acta Mechanica Sinica will soon merge into the rapid information network SpringerLink,and will be distributed by Springer-Verlag.The Spring-Verlag will also produce the printedversion of the journal starting at the first issue of 2005. It is our hope that the joining ofthe prestigious Springer Publishing group will add international recognition of the journal,andto promote rapid communications and citations between the scientists working in China andoversea in the area of mechanics.We are deeply indebted to the foundation laid down by the former Editor-in-Chief,Prof.