The Magical Properties of Everyday Numbers: “…Antibiotics are a godsend, but just how many pills should God be sending? A recent study of antibiotic treatment published in a leading medical journal began by noting that “the usual treatment recommendation of 7 to 10 days for uncomplicated pneumonia is not based on scientific evidence” and went on to show that an abbreviated course of three days was every bit as effective as the usual course of eight.My doctor had recommended seven. Where in the world had seven come from?” — Daniel Gilbert (via NYTimes op-ed, with thanks to Rich)