This article traces the history of vaccine development from Edward Jenner's smallpox vaccine to today's advanced techniques. It details key scientific breakthroughs, including Pasteur's methods and modern technologies that have transformed vaccinology into a systematic science. The piece emphasizes how our understanding and capabilities have evolved, highlighting the potential for future advancements.

The article discusses the phenomenon of multiple inventors arriving at similar inventions simultaneously, exploring historical examples and the factors that contribute to this occurrence. It highlights the interplay of societal needs, technological advancements, and the sharing of ideas that often lead to concurrent innovation.

The article discusses the evolution of the web and its historical context, emphasizing how understanding past developments can inform future innovations. It explores the interplay between technology, society, and culture in shaping the internet as we know it today. The piece advocates for a reflective approach to web development that considers lessons from history.

The article discusses the historical context and implications of the current AI boom, drawing parallels with previous technological revolutions and their impacts on society. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the lessons from history to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence today.

The article discusses historical chains of causation as illustrated in James Burke's television series "Connections," highlighting how technological advancements often arise from the recombination of existing ideas. It critiques the notion that AI, like Google's robo-scientist, can generate truly innovative research, arguing instead that it excels at synthesizing pre-existing knowledge. The author encourages readers to leverage their own data to foster innovation through serendipitous connections.