50 years ago

In these days when the output of scientific literature challenges the ability of the worker in even the most specialized fields to keep himself informed about current research, news of the publication of yet another scientific journal must sometimes be received with mixed feelings. This will not, however, prevent geologists from wishing success to the Geological Society of Egypt, which in 1957 published the first number of the Egyptian Journal of Geology, which is to be produced in the future twice-yearly.

From Nature 15 March 1958.

100 years ago

The Diseases of Animals. By Nelson S. Mayo — This work, which purports to be one of popular advice on the care and common ailments of farm animals, is written entirely from the American point of view, and deals with American methods principally, in most distinctly American orthography. It cannot be doubted that its usefulness to the British rural public, not less than the pleasure of reading it, are considerably lessened thereby. It is decidedly irritating to readers on this side of the Atlantic to see such abominations as “sulfur,” “esophagus,” “sulfate,” “mold,” and others of a similar kind. There is, nevertheless, a good deal of useful and practical information on the care of animals and farm stock which the farmer would do well to know, no matter in what part of the world he carries on his occupation ... So far as this country is concerned, there is still room for a good up-to-date popular scientific work which will give the farmer such simple knowledge of the breeding, accidents, and diseases of his animals as will show him the occasion and the wisdom of consulting the skilled veterinarian.

From Nature 12 March 1908.