50 Years Ago

Recent reports on the occurrence of “pink spot” in the urines of schizophrenics are somewhat conflicting and cast doubt on its chemical identity and its relationship to schizophrenia ... The possibility that “pink spot” may be associated with brain damage induced by drugs is supported by the fact that it is also found in high concentration in the urines of patients suffering from Parkinsonism, a disease in which the brain is indisputably damaged. This leaves open the questions of the relationship of “pink spot” to schizophrenia and also its relationship to dopamine metabolism ... it would be interesting to know whether any of the patients who have been reported in the literature as “pink spot” excreters also showed clinical signs of brain damage in the form of dyskinesia induced by drugs at the time of investigation or whether they have developed it since the reports were published.

From Nature 26 November 1966

100 Years Ago

Whatever difference of opinion may exist in regard to the stimulus which has moved the Government to take control of our food supplies, all are agreed that it has not come about a moment too soon ... The provisions outlined will empower the Food Controller to take measures both preventive and regulatory ... But Government measures cannot stop with the mere regulation of food supplies. Powers must be taken to compel a greater production of home food and to ensure a larger acreage of wheat ... Objection may be raised to the shortage of labour ... why should prisoners of war not be utilised to the fullest degree possible in raising the home production of food?

From Nature 23 November 1916 Footnote 1