This paper delves into the intricate evolution of pricing mechanisms in financing scholarly communication within the field of physics during the 20th century. Drawing from extensive archival records of the American Institute of Physics (AIP), it elucidates the transformative interplay between historical events, research funding dynamics, and intellectual property modifications. Focused on the AIP's pursuit of alternative revenue streams, this study unveils a pivotal shift from traditional revenue sources like author page charges and reader subscriptions.

The narrative commences with the AIP's pioneering legitimization of page charge pricing mechanisms during the 1930s, a strategic response to the changing landscape of physics research funding and publication dynamics. As the paper unfolds, it traces the subsequent decline in revenue from page charges during the 1960s and the scholarly society's response to amendments in copyright laws in the 1970s. A pivotal moment emerges in the form of the revised copyright law of 1976, prompting the AIP to adopt innovative policies to potentially harness revenue through the sale of access to scholarly articles.

In this historical journey, the paper sheds light on the role played by the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) in the immediate aftermath of the 1976 Copyright Act. While the CCC did not provide the anticipated windfall of revenue, it laid the groundwork for the AIP to eventually amass substantial earnings in the electronic era of scholarly communication.

This comprehensive exploration offers a unique perspective on the intricate interplay between historical events, financial dynamics, and legal changes in shaping the pricing mechanisms governing scholarly communication in the field of physics. It underscores the resilience and adaptability of scholarly societies in navigating the complex terrain of revenue generation amid evolving research paradigms and intellectual property landscapes.