Serendipity: Accidental discoveries in science. [A description of important scientific facts discovered by accident]
In contrast to a few pseudoserendipitous discoveries are the truly serendipitous discoveries: fortuitous accidents that led to new things totally unexpected and unsought for. Any of these accidents could have gone unnoticed and would have thus remained simply an accident of no importance. Instead, because of the sagacity of the individuals who encountered the accidents, we have an explanation of the laws that govern the movement of the planets; the founding of the science of organic chemistry on a rational basis; the beginning of understanding the relationship of molecular structure to physiological activity; beautiful dyes that anyone, not just royalty, can afford; insight into the culture and language of ancient civilizations; x rays for medical diagnosis and treatment; radioactivity and nuclear energy; vaccination against smallpox and other diseases; the miracle drug'' penicillin and its successors; nylon and polyester for clothing; Teflon for frying pans and heart valves; other polymers for plastic garbage bags, ice chests, radar insulation, water-ski ropes, bullet-proof shields, and airplane windows; and synthetic molecules that promise to mimic the vital actions of nature's enzymes. These are just a few of the benefits of serendipity, discoveries made by accident and sagacity of things which they (certain gifted individuals) were not actually in quest of. ''
- Research Organization:
- Wiley (John) and Sons, New York, NY (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6618634
- Resource Relation:
- Related Information: Wiley science editions
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
The Matchmaker Exchange: A Platform for Rare Disease Gene Discovery
A population study of golden eagles in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource area. Second-year progress report