Today in history—November 24

1859: Charles Darwin initiates the use of Social Darwinism in contract theory by publishing The Origin of Species.

1880:  Southern University is formed; it will open its doors in Baton Rouge a year later, in 1881.  It will start its law school in 1947.

1888: Dale Carnegie is born in Maryville, Missouri. His How to Win Friends and Influence People should be read by more lawyers.

1902: French historian Fernand Braudel, one of the fathers of interdisciplinary history, is born.

1949: Britain nationalizes its steel industry.  Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.

1997: The New York Stock Exchange “circuit breaker” kicks in for the first time after a sudden 500-point drop in the market.

1998: AOL announces its plans to buy Netscape for $4.2 billion.