"What is arguably the most important invention of the 20th century remarkably occurred twice--and independently." This is actually quite normal, as any patent

"What is arguably the most important invention of the 20th century remarkably occurred twice--and independently." This is actually quite normal, as any patent attorney will tell you. The telephone is another well known exammple of this occurring. (Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray) It seems that nothing can stop an idea whose time has come, it's just a matter of who will get the rewards.