QUOTE(Ottava @ Fri 14th October 2011, 4:27am)

I never understood when scientists and philosophers some how gained a reputation for civility, when they were always a rather hostile and competitive bunch.
Hmmm - maybe they only seemed hostile because of whom they were dealing with?
Seriously, plenty of scientists have been noted for their charming and courteous behaviour. People who come to mind include William Herschel, Michael Faraday and Robert Bunsen.