50 Years Ago

The [World Health Organization] programme for the eradication of malaria from the world is reported as having made significant progress in various fields, although handicapped by a persistent shortage of funds. Sixty-one countries are now fully engaged in this programme; in another nineteen, planning has reached an advanced stage, and, in seventeen other areas—mainly in Africa—the Organization is assisting with preliminary work... The World Health Organization's assistance to Governments for the control of yaws, smallpox and tuberculosis, leprosy and various diseases increased significantly during the year. Medical research was intensified on practically all communicable diseases, the main co-ordinated effort being centred on virus diseases and on bilharziasis [schistosomiasis].

From Nature 13 May 1961

100 Years Ago

Whatever may be thought of Mr. Willett's so-called daylight-saving scheme, it is impossible not to admire the persistence with which he pursues the idea, and secures support for it from city corporations, town councils, chambers of commerce, members of Parliament, and other people who are attracted by the advantages offered, and do not realise how unscientific the scheme is, or the gravity of the objections to the adoption of a variable standard of time-reckoning. We do not believe for an instant that the Government is likely to give facilities for legislation on the lines of the Summer Season Time Bill... The scheme is unworthy of the dignity of a great nation... We cannot think that the Government will lend its support to proposals which... would make us the laughing-stock of the enlightened people of the world.

From Nature 11 May 1911