From a certain perspective, we’re already on the road to practicing a ‘progressive eugenics’ not a million miles away from what was imagined historically.
Scientist Nikola Tesla led a rags-to-riches to rags life. The eccentric inventor had an amazing intellect and set the stage for many modern technologies.
The journal initially only published articles by European physicians. But in the 20th century a number of Indonesians, who became founders of respected medical institutions, published there too.
For centuries, scientists have known when and where eclipses will be visible. They pack their bags, head for the line of totality and hope for the best – which doesn’t always happen.
Franklin advanced a scientific – not supernatural – understanding of astronomical events such as eclipses. His satirical character ‘Poor Richard’ mocked those who bought into astrological predictions.
Ian Godwin, The University of Queensland and Yuri Trusov, The University of Queensland
When politics meddles with science, it can lead to tragedy, as was the case with Stalin’s favourite agricultural biologist Trofim Lysenko and his rival Nikolai Vavilov.
People have always known science would advance faster with various incentives and rewards. As modern experimental science took off, these took the form of gifts and favors to and from wealthy elites.