I probably changed subjects more than most. Nevertheless, in spite of a poor memory (when compared to the memories of my friends Bawden, Bernal, Miles, Haldane and Synge) and little manual dexterity, I moved reasonably smoothly along the scientific pecking order, while getting out of any subject as it began to get crowded. Such a system, or lack of system, may be epitomized as "Why do a job yourself if someone equally competent is ready to do it?" It can work— but, as with Batesian mimicry, only if it is not widely adopted.
Most research in universities and similar places does not have a clearly defined practical objective. When it has, the objective may be reached by fashionable procedures. But work along unfashionable lines is more likely to produce something unexpected and useful. Experiences in unconnected subjects may illuminate one another. That is why, as Seneca argues, innovations are more ...
