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I'm not sure why it's useless. If you're going to account for value provided by external sources then account for all sources, not just the ones that support your argument.

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For what are you accounting? Most mathematics has been known about for 100+ years... IMO, This comment was a reason for you to hear yourself "talk" or alternatively for you to take a (weak) shot at the U.S.

Lets see, mathematics[1], language[2], writing[3], the printing press[4], scientific method[5]. Each of these innovations are absolutely required for the innovation that pharma companies produce, and none originated in the US.

Your 100 year cut-off point is entirely arbitrary and chosen only because it supports your arguments.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_mathematics

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_of_language

[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_writing

[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printing_press

[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_scientific_method

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