50 years ago
Prior to a recent television series on evolution, the producer asked the audience research department of the B. B. C. to equip him with information about the knowledgeability of potential viewers [and] their attitude towards evolution... Viewers were asked whom they associated with evolution. One in three could give no name; the name given by far the most (by one-third of the total) was that of Darwin. A few mentioned Huxley — but as many named Einstein. Other suggestions ranged from Aristotle to Attenborough, or Marconi to Mortimer Wheeler... About two-thirds of the sample of viewers said they themselves believed in evolution; just over a tenth disbelieved the theory, the remainder having no firm opinions. Of those who said they believed in evolution, almost half were unable to advance a reason for doing so... Asked what would ultimately happen to man...in descending order of frequency the forecasts were: (1) that man would suffer destruction at his own hands; (2) that he would increase his power and conquer space; (3) that there would be development of brain power, or that man would lose certain parts, such as his toes. A few thought man to be "at his peak" and not likely to change further.
From Nature 14 June 1958.