Some truly great prophecies from the past

Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.
Popular Mechanics, Forecasting the relentless march of Science, 1949.

I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.
Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM, 1943

But what . . . is good for?
Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division, 1968, commenting on the microchip.

I have traveled the length and breadth of the country and talked to the best people and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won't last but a year.
The editor in charge business books for Prentice Hall, 1957.

There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.
Ken Olson, President, Chairman, and Founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977.

The commercial market for computers will never exceed a half-dozen in the U.S.
Howard Aiken, 1945.

This "telephone" has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. This device is inherently of no value to us.
Western Union internal memo, 1876.

The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value. Who would pay for a message send to nobody in particular?
David Sarnoff's associates in response to his urgings for investment in the radio in the 1920's.

We believe that no particular use is made of the fluid petroleum, from the "tar springs" of California, except as a lotion for bruises and rheumatic affections. It has a repugnant odor, and although it can be made to burn with a pretty good light, its smell is offensive. This, perhaps, maybe obviated by distilling it with some acid; we believe that this is not impossible in this age of advanced chemistry. If the offensive odor could be removed, a valuable and profitable business might be carried on in manufacturing burning fluid from it.
Scientific American, May 1857

Sources:

Any additional items of such a nature, together with a reasonable, verifiable source, will be welcomed.