Ergography: a method for analyzing and understanding temporal and thematic working patterns of prolific entomologists.

: Ergographic analysis is a new approach for qualitative assessment and quantitative depiction of publication records of prolific authors. For proving the merits of ergographic analysis, the method is applied to the work of 3 scientists who are well known for their individual contributions to basic and applied entomology, insect toxicology, insect biochemistry, and chemical ecology including integrated pest management. Authors thus considered are R.L. Metcalf (1916-1998), H. Schmutterer (born 1926) and P. Karlson (1918-2001). Ergograms obtained through ergographic analysis are graphic presentations of when, which, and how many papers appeared within the author's lifetime (two-dimensional ergogram), and how parallel or subsequent strands of distinct thematic interests and subject areas intertwine or follow each other over time (three-dimensional ergograms). Unlike conventional printed bibliographies which have a tendency to be SUMMARY, rather unwieldy and boring, ergograms provide easy graphic access to information. They can be understood and interpreted at first glance and with a conceptual clarity so far unknown from conventionally printed reference lists.