The hottest History Substack posts right now

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'A sinister parasite on the community': Dr S R Chamley (part 1)

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
💾 History
  1. Dr. S R Chamley was an audacious and ruthless 'cancer quack' who scammed vulnerable patients, even causing deaths through improper treatments.
  2. Chamley used fear tactics in advertisements to lure patients, diagnosed almost every case as cancer, and charged exorbitant amounts for treatments, often with no real medical benefit.
  3. Despite facing charges and losing his medical license, Chamley continued to expand his fraudulent medical practices, exploiting his qualifications and financial resources to evade consequences.

Scattering diamonds: mercury and the pox

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
💾 History Medicine Treatment Disease
  1. The 18th-century treatment for syphilis involved using mercury in various forms, like internal medicine, skin rubbing, or fumes, which often had dramatic effects on patients.
  2. Patients undergoing mercury treatment experienced severe side effects like violent diarrhea, excessive saliva production, and mouth sores, making it difficult to hide the nature of their illness from others.
  3. Daniel Turner, a surgeon from that era, also used cinnabar fumigation for syphilitic sores, involving inhaling potentially lethal mercury vapors, which was preferred by patients over long courses of calomel treatment.

Shen Weiguang – Father of China’s Information Warfare Theory, Who Could not Type

Natto Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
💾 History Information Warfare China Military Strategy
  1. The concept of information warfare was introduced in China in the mid-1980s by Shen Weiguang, a self-taught military strategist who became known as the father of China's information warfare theory despite facing initial skepticism from publishers and having no military rank or affiliation.
  2. Shen Weiguang's interest in information warfare was sparked during his time at the frontline of the Battle of Laoshan, where he envisioned a more civilized form of warfare in the information age, leading him to publish his Information Warfare book in 1990.
  3. In 1998, Shen Weiguang made a global debut at the Ars Electronica Festival, showcasing his expertise in information warfare despite admitting he couldn't type or use computers, highlighting the core purpose of information warfare as subduing the enemy without direct conflict, drawing wisdom from ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu.

Thursday Curiosity Links

Grist Potentia • 19 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
💾 History
  1. Kobayashi Issa, a famous Japanese poet and lay Buddhist priest, was born on June 15, 1763.
  2. Issa, meaning Cup-of-tea, wrote over 20,000 haikus despite facing many tragedies in life.
  3. You can continue reading with a 7-day free trial subscription to Grist Potentia.
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5 Weekend Reads: 17 September 2023

Londonist: Time Machine • 19 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
💾 History London history Paid Subscribers
  1. The post features 5 interesting reads related to London history for the week of September 17, 2023.
  2. One of the topics covered includes 3-D dinosaurs and the intriguing question of 'Who was the first celebrity to ride on the Central line?'
  3. Paid subscribers have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive content and events related to London history through Londonist.

5 Historical Quirks to Spot in... Covent Garden

Londonist: Time Machine • 19 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
💾 History Places Facts
  1. Covent Garden has some fascinating historical quirks to discover, like a giant coin, a vomiting god, and historic asses.
  2. The area of Covent Garden, specifically the piazza and its church, is rich in unique and interesting sights worth exploring.
  3. Consider subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine for more historical insights on different areas and attractions in London.

There are always choices

Comment is Freed • 82 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
💾 History Historians Decision-making Leaders Historical Analysis
  1. History is shaped by the choices individuals make, especially during times of crisis
  2. While big impersonal forces like demography and geography matter, individuals in positions of power play a significant role in making crucial decisions
  3. It is important to understand the constraints and possibilities before individuals when analyzing historical events

History is in the making

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 28 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💾 History Political Events Intellectual history Technological Change Cultural impact
  1. History often focuses too much on political events like wars and revolutions, but it's actually technology and ideas that drive real change in our lives.
  2. Key dates in history, like the invention of the airplane or the creation of the first synthetic hamburger, are often overlooked, yet they have profoundly shaped how we live today.
  3. If we shift our attention from politics to technological advancements, we can better understand how human ingenuity improves our world and offers solutions to modern problems.

Making America, Part 2

KERFUFFLE • 23 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
💾 History Cultural Studies Immigration Identity American history Political culture
  1. The term 'Scotch-Irish' was created in the mid-1800s to distinguish earlier Irish immigrants from a later wave that faced backlash. Many who identified as Scotch-Irish didn't even see themselves as Scottish, having roots in Ireland for generations.
  2. Scotch-Irish people were often Presbyterians and not as poor as the later Irish immigrants. They had jobs in industries like wool and linen in their home area of Ulster before coming to America.
  3. Over time, the Scotch-Irish began to identify more with their new American states rather than Ireland or Scotland. Their experiences reflect the idea of America as a place where people seek a better life, shedding old identities.

McClellan in the PNW

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 02 Sep 21
💾 History Military Exploration Biography Indigenous Peoples Civil War
  1. George B. McClellan was sent to the Pacific Northwest to survey for a railroad route and a military road, but he struggled with both tasks.
  2. His writings show he was quite critical of the landscapes and conditions, often describing them as bleak and unimpressive.
  3. Despite his challenges, McClellan's journey helped him leave a mark on the region, with places named after him and a few observations about the local Indigenous people.

Robert Horne, the 'New Discipline', and a Democratic Revolution

Something to Consider • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
💾 History Political History Religious history Cultural History Social history Historical Figures
  1. Robert Horne was a controversial figure who argued a lot, yet he was very knowledgeable. His time as a pastor in Frankfort sparked a major change in how church authority was viewed.
  2. The conflict in the Frankfort congregation led to a significant shift where the church members gained power over their pastor. This change emphasized that the church community had a say in leadership decisions.
  3. This shift in church governance is seen as a step towards democratic practices. It influenced how churches functioned later and even laid groundwork for democracy in places like New England.

War Games

The Weekly Gazette • 37 HN points • 11 Jul 24
💾 History World War Holocaust Resistance Technology Ethics
  1. René Carmille, a French engineer, secretly sabotaged Nazi efforts to track and deport Jews by slowing down census data collection. This helped save many lives during the Holocaust.
  2. Carmille cleverly used his knowledge of technology to delay the census and even altered data to protect Jewish citizens. He is often called the first ethical hacker for his actions.
  3. Despite the risks, including imprisonment and torture, Carmille's efforts contributed to fewer Jews being deported in France compared to other countries occupied by the Nazis, showcasing the impact of individual resistance.

Swindling Geologist - Part 1 (of 2)

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 1 HN point • 18 Jul 24
💾 History Historical Events Biographies Cultural History Science History
  1. A con artist pretended to be famous geologists in the late 1800s, tricking people into giving him money and valuable items.
  2. He used different names and stories to fool people, claiming to be with renowned geological surveys and even faking injuries.
  3. The swindler's tricks worked for many years, but he kept changing his identity to avoid getting caught.

Ancient Houses of Denny Hill

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 79 implied HN points • 23 Dec 21
💾 History Urban History Architecture Cultural heritage Local history
  1. Denny Hill in Seattle was heavily regraded in the early 1900s, changing the landscape significantly and moving a lot of dirt and buildings.
  2. Only two houses from Denny Hill still exist today: one is Belltown Funky Studios, which is in bad shape and might be demolished soon, and the other is on Lopez Island, having been moved there in the past.
  3. People often moved houses during the Denny Hill regrade, showing how careful movers were back then; if you know about more surviving houses, it's exciting to hear those stories.

Actual Content!

The Origins of the Housing Crisis • 19 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
💾 History Britain Housing Crisis
  1. Subscribers to a free substack newsletter about Britain's housing crisis can now access a year's worth of missed content in a comprehensive new report.
  2. The report is the result of a collaborative effort between the author, Samuel Watling, the Centre for Cities, and housing expert Ant Breach.
  3. The newly digitized dataset of European housing data in the report provides a broader examination of Britain's housing issues within a European context.

December 22, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💾 History U.S. History Military History Political History Art history Cultural History
  1. George Washington willingly resigned his military power after the Revolutionary War. This showed his commitment to democracy and his belief that no one should hold too much power.
  2. Washington's resignation was a significant moment in American history, highlighting the importance of peaceful transitions of power. It set a strong example for future leaders.
  3. John Trumbull's painting of Washington's resignation now hangs in the U.S. Capitol as a reminder of this crucial decision in establishing a nation based on freedom and respect for governance.

November 17, 2024

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💾 History American history Industrialization Modernization
  1. In 1883, the U.S. switched to a standard time system with five time zones to simplify train schedules. Before this, there were 53 different time schedules, which caused a lot of confusion.
  2. The change was controversial because many people were used to following the sun for their daily routines. They felt that the new system was too modern and even went against traditional timekeeping customs.
  3. On the day of the switch, people expected chaos but were surprised when the transition happened quietly without major issues. The newspapers simply noted how the new time would align different cities with standard time.

THE HIPPIE LIEUTENANT

Seymour Hersh • 65 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
💾 History Vietnam War
  1. The post discusses a soldier's experience in the Vietnam War.
  2. The author shared a previous dispatch about General Tony Taguba and Abu Ghraib prison.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription.

The Reconnaissance Mission of the Topographer Zelenin to Khiva 1842 - Ivan Zakharin (Yakunin), 1894

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 6 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
💾 History Military Memoir Espionage Exploration 19th century
  1. The mission was about gathering secret information and maps of Khiva, which was important for trade between Russia and Khiva.
  2. Topographer Zelenin used clever tactics, like pretending to be a traveler, to get around and gather information discreetly.
  3. Zelenin faced real dangers during this mission, as being discovered could have put his life and the lives of others at risk.

Overthrowing Fate: Barbarossa Revisted

Big Serge Thought • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
💾 History Military History World War II Political strategy Historical Analysis
  1. Germany could have improved its chances in World War II by better managing its resources and reacting faster to the situation on the ground. They had more people and supplies available than they used.
  2. The idea that Germany lost because they delayed their attack on Moscow isn't accurate. They faced new Soviet forces earlier than expected that complicated their plans.
  3. Better leadership and decision-making could have changed the course of the war. If Germany had acted on its manpower and supply needs sooner, it might have created a stronger position for future battles.

Chapters 4 and 5: "Open Fire on the Enemy" & Triumphant Failure

Fisted by Foucault • 44 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
💾 History Prohibition
  1. The Temperance Movement faced challenges due to the significant revenue the US government derived from taxes on alcohol, making it a tough battle to ban alcohol sales.
  2. A coalition of various groups, including racists, progressives, suffragists, populists, and nativists, contributed to the popularization of the Temperance Movement.
  3. The push for a National Income Tax by progressives and prohibitionists played a vital role in advancing the cause for Prohibition, culminating in a significant petition presented to Congress.

The Wells of Venice

Of All Trades • 12 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💾 History Engineering Architecture Water Management Urban planning
  1. Venice faced a big problem getting fresh water because it is surrounded by saltwater. To solve this, the people invented clever rainwater cisterns and wells.
  2. The Venetian wells used a special system that filtered rainwater to keep it clean. This made clean drinking water available despite the challenges of their environment.
  3. These historical wells show human creativity in solving problems. They remind us that, even without modern technology, people in the past found smart ways to adapt to their surroundings.

The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy:

Who is Robert Malone • 36 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
💾 History Forensic Analysis Free speech Conspiracy theory
  1. A new book presents forensic evidence showing multiple shots from different directions killed JFK, challenging the official narrative.
  2. The book highlights how X-rays were altered to hide evidence of frontal shots on JFK's skull, revealing a potential cover-up by various government agencies.
  3. The post emphasizes the importance of free speech in seeking truth and warns about the dangers of restricting it, suggesting potential threats to democracy.

The Birth of Israel

Cosmographia • 3 HN points • 04 Apr 24
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Archaeology Origins Religious Studies Cultural Evolution
  1. The birth of Israel dates back to ancient times, with the earliest mention of Israel on the Merneptah Stele in around 1208 BC, indicating their presence and significance.
  2. The origins of the Israelites are complex, involving gradual settlements, interactions with various groups like the Philistines, and the assimilation of diverse traditions into a shared cultural identity.
  3. Archaeological evidence and historical context suggest that the Israelites likely originated as pastoralist groups like the Shasu, gradually forming a distinct group in the highlands of Canaan, challenging the established Canaanite and Egyptian powers.

Fake History And The Real Gandhi

Unfashionable • 53 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
💾 History Analysis Truth Propaganda
  1. One should question everything they learned from institutions and history, not assuming it's all accurate.
  2. Winners in history tend to shape the narrative, so it's important to seek different perspectives.
  3. History is complex and may reveal surprising facts about well-known figures like Gandhi.

Reading, Watching 05.14

Unpopular Front • 60 implied HN points • 14 May 23
💾 History Holocaust European Union Immigration Family
  1. The author reflects on the process of restoring German citizenship and the emotional journey it took them on.
  2. Learning about a relative who was killed in Auschwitz led to a deeper connection with family history and an appreciation for the importance of antifascist politics.
  3. Becoming a citizen of the European Union symbolizes a rejection of Nazi laws, a reconnection with European roots, and a commitment to the cosmopolitan project of the EU.

The Sibylline Oracles and the Last King of Rome

Maximum Effort, Minimum Reward • 63 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
💾 History Prophecy Religion Mythology
  1. Never underestimate the power of prophecies, like in the story of Tarquin the Proud and the Cumaean Sibyl.
  2. The Sibylline Oracles were consulted by the Romans during times of crisis, providing divine guidance for important decisions.
  3. Magic rituals and prophecies were a real and legislated part of ancient Roman society, with the Sibylline Books playing a significant role in governance.

Book Review: The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt

Something to Consider • 19 implied HN points • 08 Feb 23
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Cultural Evolution Political History Historical Narratives
  1. The book mainly focuses on the history of Egypt's kings rather than the lives of everyday people. Most of what we know about ancient Egyptians comes from royal artifacts and structures, so there’s limited information about the general population.
  2. It’s a fun and easy read, full of fascinating facts that correct common misconceptions about Egyptian history. Readers learn a lot about important figures and events without feeling bogged down by overly complex details.
  3. The study highlights how and why states form and fall apart. Ancient Egypt's stability relied on agricultural wealth and a balance of power, while neglect or too much strength in leadership could lead to its eventual decline.

Sayram Antiquities - Alexander Geins, 1898

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 5 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
💾 History Cultural heritage Historical Figures Architecture Ethnic Studies
  1. Sayram is a historic city in southern Kazakhstan with deep roots in history and culture. It has many ancient sites and stories tied to famous figures like Alexander the Great.
  2. The local people attribute the construction of old sites to revered figures, showing how history can evolve into myths over time. This reflects how communities connect with their past.
  3. Sayram is known for its beautiful gardens and significant Muslim sites, with many ancient graves and monuments that highlight its religious importance and stunning architecture.

Portrait of a Young Historian

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 29 Jul 21
💾 History Cultural History
  1. Early experiences can shape our interests and paths in life. A simple comment from a teacher can inspire us in unexpected ways.
  2. Childhood behavior, like being talkative or distracted, doesn't define our future. Sometimes, these traits can lead to passions that shape our careers.
  3. History, especially local history, can be fascinating and important. It connects us to our roots and helps us understand our community better.

The River Chu - Nikolai Abramov, 1860

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 4 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
💾 History Cultural History Military History Geography Ethnography Colonial History
  1. The Chu River is important in Central Asia, flowing from the Tianshan Mountains through Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It's known for its quick currents and sandy shores.
  2. Historically, the river marked Russia's frontier with Central Asia, and the Kokand Khanate controlled parts of the area including key fortresses until Russian conquest.
  3. The Chu River supports local agriculture and is home to various fish species, with its surroundings rich in natural resources and historical significance.

The Bukharan Jews at Dushanbe - Dmitri Logofet, 1913

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 10 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
💾 History Cultural heritage Religious history Central Asia
  1. The Bukharan Jews have a long history in Central Asia, existing since the time of the Babylonian Exile. They settled in areas like Dushanbe, which is now the capital of Tajikistan.
  2. In Dushanbe, Bukharan Jews played a key role in local trade and held significant wealth compared to the surrounding population. This sometimes led to tensions and conflicts with local Muslim communities.
  3. Despite facing many restrictions and challenges, Bukharan Jews maintained their unique culture and traditions, distinct from other Jewish communities around the world.