January 2003 sees the first issue of Philosophical Magazine under a new integrated structure - the division into Philosophical Magazine A (structure, defects and mechanical properties) and Philosophical Magazine B (statistical mechanics, electronic, optical and magnetic properties) is no longer appropriate for a subject which continues to evolve and expand. Rather than developing new parts for the journal, the new integrated structure (re-establishing the all-embracing title first adopted in 1798) can cope better with the complexity of forefront research that is increasingly difficult to classify into distinct areas. Philosophical Magazine publishes contributed articles and critical reviews in the field of condensed matter describing original results, theories and concepts relating to the structure and properties of crystalline materials, ceramics, polymers, glasses, amorphous films, composites and soft matter. Papers emphasizing experimental, theoretical and modelling studies on solids, especially those that interpret their behaviour on an atomic or microscopic scale, are particularly appropriate. We envisage growing coverage of phase transitions, nanotechnology, novel material types, and materials for electronic and related devices. Further evolution is expected to see the development of such topics as soft condensed matter and in particular the interface between hard and soft matter.