LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
In the latest issue, we published letters on crowd mentality, handwriting, Kurt Tucholsky, knitting terms and Mexico's underground lakes, plus a couple of wise-guy remarks ... read more »
MARS TO WITHIN A METRE
In his new column, The Music of Science, Oliver Morton looks forward to a new era of exploration on Mars, the only other planet on which humans might plausibly live ... read more »
THE 60-YEAR JOB: FREEMAN DYSON
The distinguished quantum physicist, who worked with Einstein at Princeton, tells Charles Nevin three things he's learnt ... read more »
THE 60-YEAR JOB: SIR PETER HALL
On February 6th, Queen Elizabeth II reaches her diamond jubilee – 60 years in the same job. Charles Nevin tracks down six others who have lasted as long ... read more »
THE FLUSH TOILET IS THE GREATEST INVENTION
Elizabeth I was too embarrassed to use it, but, as Nick Valéry argues, it has saved billions from a far worse fate ... read more »
IN SEARCH OF SERENDIPITY
It means more than a happy coincidence. And it's under threat from the internet. Ian Leslie explains ... read more »
THE TRANSISTOR RADIO IS THE GREATEST INVENTION
The entrepreneur Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu argues that for millions in rural Africa, the transistor radio improves farming, protects health and reduces poverty ... read more »
Comment of the moment
quote "Ah, what larks: Rogue Riderhood, Bradley Headstone, Miss Ninetta Crummles (the Infant Phenomenon), Mr Dick, Barkis, Joe the Fat Boy, The Golden Dustman, Mr Wemmick's dad, Mrs Gummidge, Mr William Guppy, Jerry Cruncher, Bullseye, Harold Skimpole..."