The BBC recently posted an interesting article on the clever glass box that “reshaped the world”.  The Wardian box was developed by Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, a doctor from London’s East End in the 1830’s.  It allowed plants to be transported live across the seas.  Previously, 90% of plants transported by ship died.  Using the Wardian box allowed 90% to survive.  This enabled the spread of crops globally, with attendant positive and negative impacts.  Doubtless, it led to the spread of many invasive plants, animals and diseases…