«A number of indicators of the growth of science are critically reviewed to asses their strengths and weaknesses. The focus is on the problems involved in measuring two aspects of scientific growth, growth in manpower and growth in knowledge. It is shown that the design of better indicators depends on careful consideration of the theoretical framework within which the indicators are intended to be used. Recent advances in the sociology of science suggest ways in which the validity of existing indicators may be assessed and improved.»
Gilbert, G.N. (1978). Measuring the growth of science: A review of indicators of scientific growth. Scientometrics, 1, 9-34. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02016837