Serendipity is "divinipitous," but "divinipity" is not serendipitous

doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7440.E284

BMJ 2004;328:E284 (13 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7440.E284

BMJ USA: Filler

Serendipity is "divinipitous," but "divinipity" is not serendipitous

Serendipity has been touted as the harbinger of many celebratedfindings and discoveries, from the discovery of the Americasand the brewing of tea to the finding of antibiotics. The wordserendipity, for accidental discoveries, was coined by HoraceWalpole, based on the heroes of the fairy tale "The Three Princesof Serendip," who were always making discoveries by accident.

For one who believes in the hand of Providence, serendipitybecomes a misnomer for divinipity, the real major player insuch scenarios. To be at the right place at the right time,with a prepared mind, is beyond the powers attributed to coincidenceor serendipity. This leads one to speculate that it is actuallythe Divine Power taking pity on humanity that drives everything—inshort, divinipity.

Biji Kurien, senior research scientist

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Oklahoma City, OK biji-kurien{at}omrf.ouhsc.edu