In an era when political leaders promise deliverance from decline through America’s purported preeminence in scientific research, the news that science is in deep trouble in the United States has been as unwelcome as a diagnosis of leukemia following the loss of health insurance.

With the spear comes the use of the shield; yet the San Cristoval spearmen use no such defence, but turn off spears thrown at them with long curved glaives, and the shields in use in Florida are not made in that island.

Giacomo blew up the tote by winning the 2005 Kentucky Derby at odds of 50-1.

One of his earliest recollections.

• Thomas Babington Macaulay.