Notes and Queries was first published in 1849 as a weekly periodical edited by W.J. Thoms. It was founded as an academic correspondence magazine, in which scholars and interested amateurs could exchange knowledge on literature and history. The journal was originally subtitled "a medium of inter-communication for literary men, artists, antiquaries, genealogists, etc". It is now subtitled "For readers and writers, collectors and librarians". Its motto was once "When found, make a note of."