50 Years Ago

An Introduction to the Logic of the Sciences. By R. Harré — This is a very welcome book. It should be said at the outset that the author's intention to write largely for undergraduates in science may prove a little on the modest side, since many students working for higher degrees would probably produce substantially better theses if they could find time to read what Dr. Harré has to relate ... The grand point is that — from the aspect of discovery — disciplined insight came first, and the application of mathematical analysis afterwards. Essential as the latter is, momentous advances usually begin with remarkably simple premises. Incidentally, Max Planck is known to have fought long and hard in his mind against the consequences of his own quantum concept. The statistical and indiscriminate nature of much of modern physics was not to his liking. But that is the penalty of greatness. Questions like these are ably handled by Dr. Harré, and the moral is driven home.

From Nature 8 October 1960

100 Years Ago

Beet Sugar Making and its Chemical Control. By Y. Nikaido — In principle, the production of sugar from beetroots is a simple matter. The sugar and other soluble bodies are extracted from the sliced roots by diffusion in water; the juice thus obtained is purified from acids and other objectionable matter by “defecation” with lime, and after the excess of lime has been removed by treatment with carbonic acid, the liquor is concentrated by evaporation until the sugar crystallises out. Whilst, however, there is nothing complicated about the principle, successful and profitable production depends upon close attention to a number of points in respect of which the chemist's help is needed.

From Nature 6 October 1910