Hat making in the past involved prolonged exposure to mercury vapors, causing poisoning which symptoms are sensory impairment (vision, hearing, speech), and a lack of coordination. this inspired terms like “Mad as a hatter” and of course, the mad hatter of Alice in wonderland.
When trains were introduced in the U.S, many people believed…
When trains were introduced in the U.S, many people believed that that “women’s bodies were not designed to go at 50 miles an hour,” and that their “uteruses would fly out of [their] bodies if they were accelerated to that speed.”
A 15 year old Roman Emperor named Heliogabalus, was…
A 15 year old Roman Emperor named Heliogabalus, was a notorious prankster. He would get his party guests black out drunk and then dump them into a bedroom full of toothless leopards, lions and bears. He also created the 1st known ‘whoopee cushions’ using inflated animal bladders. Needless to say, Heliogabalus’ antics angered many people, […]
Scientists recreated a 9th century onion and garlic…
Scientists recreated a 9th century onion and garlic eye remedy from an Anglo-Saxon manuscript, and found that it killed 90% of antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria (MRSA).
In 1906, a three-year-old Swiss toddler was convicted
In 1906, a three-year-old Swiss toddler was convicted to three and a half months’ imprisonment for “theft.”
Henry III received a polar bear as a gift from King…
Henry III received a polar bear as a gift from King Haakon of Norway in 1252. The bear lived at the Tower of London and was given a long leash so it could swim in the river Thames and catch fish.
Before about 1700, it was customary for people of European…
Before about 1700, it was customary for people of European descent to bring their own spoons to the table. Spoons were carried as personal property in much the same way as people today carry wallets, key rings, etc.
When the Romans returned from France and Germany with blonde slaves, some…
When the Romans returned from France and Germany with blonde slaves, some Roman women tried copying the look by dying their hair blond, only for it to fall out. Instead the women cut off the slaves hair to use as wigs.
In the 1930s, parents used to keep their babies in cages on their…
In the 1930s, parents used to keep their babies in cages on their windowsill in order to make sure they got enough air and sunshine in tall apartment buildings.
In Classical Athens, the citizens could vote each year to banish…
In Classical Athens, the citizens could vote each year to banish any person who was growing too powerful, as a threat to democracy. This process was called Ostracism.