50 Years Ago

In a written answer in the House of Commons on February 3, the Minister of Aviation, Mr. R. Jenkins, stated that a conference, attended by all the Member States of the European Launcher Development Organization, met in Paris during January 19–21, to review the activities of the organization and to examine proposals for its future work. The cost of completing the first programmed launcher ... would be higher than the original estimate, and a working group had been set up to consider the feasibility of using the technical results already achieved and the experience acquired by the organization to develop an advanced launching system making use of the most modern techniques. The system would continue to use Blue Streak as the first stage, and the Conference would be convened again later this year to review progress.

From Nature 20 February 1965

100 Years Ago

In view of the shortage of fine chemicals which are used for research purposes, we thought it advisable to issue a circular to the principal laboratories in the kingdom asking for lists of chemicals not in immediate use, so that it would be possible to put the holders of such chemicals in touch with those chemists who were in urgent need of them. The replies which have been received so far have been in most cases to the effect that the holders wish to keep their own stocks in hand, but are willing to use our bureau for the purpose of purchasing others. As this attitude is one which entirely defeats the object with which the inquiry was started, may we direct the attention of chemists to the fact that it is impossible for them all to hold and to purchase at the same time.

From Nature 18 February 1915 Footnote 1