50 years ago

Prior to a recent television series on evolution, the producer asked the audience research department of the B. B. C. to equip him with information about the knowledgeability of potential viewers [and] their attitude towards evolution... Viewers were asked whom they associated with evolution. One in three could give no name; the name given by far the most (by one-third of the total) was that of Darwin. A few mentioned Huxley — but as many named Einstein. Other suggestions ranged from Aristotle to Attenborough, or Marconi to Mortimer Wheeler... About two-thirds of the sample of viewers said they themselves believed in evolution; just over a tenth disbelieved the theory, the remainder having no firm opinions. Of those who said they believed in evolution, almost half were unable to advance a reason for doing so... Asked what would ultimately happen to man...in descending order of frequency the forecasts were: (1) that man would suffer destruction at his own hands; (2) that he would increase his power and conquer space; (3) that there would be development of brain power, or that man would lose certain parts, such as his toes. A few thought man to be “at his peak” and not likely to change further.

From Nature 14 June 1958.

100 years ago

Thomas Alva Edison: Sixty Years of an Inventor's Life. By Francis Arthur Jones.— This biography should do much to disillusion the impressions which are so commonly formed about successful men, that they only have to invent something to make a fortune. It shows clearly that the only road to success is through failure. His career as a telegraph operator was most precarious, and one of his first inventions—a vote-recording machine for election purposes—was refused, really because it was too ingenious and perfect; in fact, it could not be tampered with.

From Nature 11 June 1908.