50 Years Ago

Discovering the Universe by Sir Bernard and Lady Lovell — Seldom has a technical exploit aroused such widespread interest and excitement as did the launching of the first Russian Sputnik in 1957. It was at this time that the radio telescope at Jodrell Bank was first coming into operation ... So it was natural that the quickened scientific awareness of the general public should find a focal point in Prof. Lovell and the radio telescope ... In view of the joint authorship one might, perhaps, anticipate some comments of a more personal nature. What does it feel like to live under the shadow of the bowl, to partner a man whose name has become a household word? Such elements are difficult to detect save in the preface, “The life which we knew before October 1957 has never quite returned”. One can well imagine that this is something of an understatement.

From Nature 22 February 1964

100 Years Ago

'The wearing of birds' plumage — a woman's protest' The dealers in feathers seem to think that because they have embarked on that particular trade it must never be abolished, no matter if the most exquisite birds become extinct. It is known that many trades have suffered severely from the advent of the motor-car. Whip-makers scarcely have anything to do. Harness-makers have also suffered, yet these trades could scarcely demand that motors should not be used because such might suffer thereby ... There is such an abundance of lovely ornaments to be had ... and if there must be feathers, then take some which require no cruelty to procure ... Of course, imitation feathers would be cheap — to some women an unpardonable fault. Well, when the adornment must be expensive, there are jewels and laces.

From Nature 19 February 1914