03
Nov
2008
Two hundred years ago the gulf between the rich and the common people was huge, illustrated by these photos. On the left is Doughoregan Manor at Ellicott City, Maryland, largely built in the 1700’s, home of Charles Carroll of Carrolton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. On the right is the cabin where Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809 located at Hodgenville, Kentucky. Today, the public view of these times is influenced by the fact that many of the fabulous mansions yet survive, while the cabins that housed common people have long since been replaced.
Sources: Wikipedia articles "Abraham Lincoln" and "Doughoregan Manor".
The immediate goal of science is understanding, rather than social utility. In the rush of day-to-day activity it is easy to overlook how science allows us to live better. The path from science to better lives is complex and often takes decades. In broad terms, basic research first hands off its results to applied research. Applied research then hands off to technology research and development, which then flows into entrepreneurship and finally manufacturing and distribution. Then, and only then, are great benefits realized from science knowledge.
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