Текст XVII

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ANDREW CARNEGIE

The life of manufacturer and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) is a perfect example of the "rags to riches" philosophy of the nineteenth century. Born in Scotland of parents who were hardworking craftsmen, he was sent to the states in 1848 because of the poor economic prospects in Scotland. Young Carnegie went to work as a bobbin boy in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, at a salary of $1.20 a week, while he read extensively to improve his mind and contributed letters on national topics to the New York "Tribune" and other papers. He next worked as a telegraph messenger, then for the Pennsylvania Rairoad, where a small investment in stock brought a considerable return, which was then invested in the expanding steel industry. At the age of thirty, he was fully embarked upon a line of business, which by 1901 would be worth a

quarter of a billion dollars. Carnegie maintained an interest throughout his career in writing and produced several books on his business theories, social progress, and government. In his essay "Wealth", first published in the "North American Review" in 1889, Carnegie defends the status quo as a necessary condition to the survival of civilization. He suggests that the best method of social reform lies in the uses made of wealth by the wealthy. After his retirement, Carnegie attempted to demonstrate what he meant by using his personal fortune for establishing libraries, supporting education, and leading the international peace movement.

2. Ответьте на следующие вопросы.

1. What was Andrew Carnegie?

2. What has Andrew Carnegie been famous for?

Текст XVIII 1. Прочитайте текст.

Role of chance in discovery

Probably the majority of discoveries in biology and medicine have been come across unexpectedly, or at least had an element of chance in them, especially the most important and revolutionary ones. It is scarcely possible to foresee a discovery that breaks really new ground, because it is often not in accord with cunent beliefs. Frequently I have heard a colleague relating some new findings, say almost apologetically. "I came across it by accident". Although it is common knowledge that sometimes chance is a factor in the making ~f a discovery, the magnitude of its importance is seldom realized and the significance of its role is not fully appreciated or understood. A good maxim for the research man is "look out for the unexpected".

The history of discovery shows that chance plays an important part, but on the other hand it plays only one part even in those discoveries that are attributed to it.

The truth of the matter lies in Pasteur's famous saying, "In the field of observation, chance favours only the prepared mind". It is the interpretation of chance that counts. The role of chance is merely to provide the opportunity and the scientist has to recognize it and grasp it.

2. Ответьте на следующие вопросы.

a) Is the role of chance in scientific discovery great?

b) How can you explain Pasteur's famous saying that "chance favours only the prepared mind?