Monday, Aug. 31, 1953

Dial M for Manus

On the remote south coast of Manus Island, 200 miles from New Guinea, famed Anthropologist Margaret Mead was interrupted in her research last month by an urgent message. The district commissioner had sent a boat to tell her that New York was trying to reach her by telephone. Fearing some emergency, Dr. Mead set off on a seven-hour trip through dangerous reefs and rough seas to take the call. It turned out to be from a researcher working for Manhattan's Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn Inc. The message: "Dr. Mead, we are conducting worldwide research into the smoking habits of Americans. Would you be good enough to indicate if you smoke, and if so, what brand?" Taking a deep breath, Anthropologist Mead answered: "Not interested,"* and hung up. Six days later, when the weather moderated, Dr. Mead was able to get a boat back to her own research.

* She smokes Luckies.

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