Hektoen International

A Journal of Medical Humanities

Tag: Serendipity

  • Serendipity in science and medicine

    JMS PearceHull, England, United Kingdom The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not “Eureka!”, but “That’s funny…” – Isaac Asimov Horace Walpole (son of the first British Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole) coined the word “serendipity” in 1754. It was based on a Persian fairytale in which…

  • Serendipity: Is it mere lucky coincidence?

    Isuri WimalasiriRatmalana, Sri Lanka Many Sri Lankans may not be aware that the origins of the term “serendipity” are linked to their country. The word was coined by English writer Horace Walpole, who wrote a letter to a friend about a folk story he once read called “The Three Princes of Serendip.” In that story,…