The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top History Topics

THE SCOTTISH WITCH

Marlene’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 22 May 23
💾 History
  1. Lilias Adie admitted to witchcraft after being accused in 1704.
  2. Lilias Adie was buried with precautions to prevent her spirit from returning.
  3. The prosecution of witches was often a result of religious competitions during the 1500s.

The anatomist next door

The Quack Doctor • 0 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
💾 History Anatomy Medical education
  1. The study of anatomy in Victorian London evolved from grave-robbing to a more regulated system with cadavers sourced from workhouses and teaching hospitals.
  2. Dr. Thomas Cooke's School of Anatomy faced challenges due to its location in a densely populated area causing complaints from neighbors about the unpleasant odors and disturbances from dissecting activities.
  3. Despite facing setbacks, Dr. Cooke was known for his innovative teaching methods and contributions to medical literature, emphasizing practical work in anatomy and advocating for hands-on dissection.

Wednesday Curiosity Links

Grist Potentia • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
💾 History Events
  1. Thomas Paine published his pamphlet Common Sense in 1776 advocating independence from Great Britain.
  2. Common Sense was published anonymously and became an instant sensation with the largest sale of any book in America at the time.
  3. To read more posts like this, consider subscribing to Grist Potentia for a 7-day free trial.

Saturday Curiosity Links

Grist Potentia • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
💾 History Events
  1. On January 20, 1993, Audrey Hepburn passed away in Switzerland. She was known for her beauty, style, sophistication, innocence, and her efforts to help children.
  2. There is an offer for a 7-day free trial to access full post archives by subscribing to Grist Potentia.
  3. Paid subscribers can sign in to access the post.
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Sometimes the Mystery is that there is no Mystery

TOP SECRET UMBRA • 0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
💾 History Aviation Mysteries Exploration Biographies Narrative
  1. Sometimes the truth about events, like Amelia Earhart's disappearance, is less exciting than the myths that surround them. Earhart wasn't a perfect pilot and made mistakes that led to her tragic fate.
  2. Earhart was a famous figure but her overconfidence in flying and navigation skills contributed to her disappearance. Her ventures sometimes went beyond her abilities.
  3. There's a fascination with Amelia Earhart that continues decades after her disappearance, highlighting how people are drawn to both her achievements and the mystery surrounding her story.

Christmas in the Victorian hospital

The Quack Doctor • 0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
💾 History Victorian Christmas London Medical
  1. In the 1890s, hospitals in London made efforts to bring Christmas cheer to patients with gifts, carol singing, festive decorations, and special meals.
  2. Hospital staff, including medical students, actively participated in the celebrations, dressing up, performing shows, and organizing activities to lift spirits.
  3. Charitable donations from local communities funded the Christmas celebrations in hospitals, highlighting the importance of bringing comfort and joy to those in need during the festive season.

Monday Curiosity Links

Grist Potentia • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
💾 History Events Facts
  1. On January 22, 1984, Apple Macintosh was launched after a famous Super Bowl ad.
  2. The Macintosh project started in 1979 to create an affordable, user-friendly computer.
  3. The team behind the Macintosh project included Jef Raskin and hardware engineers.

'How the Devil can I answer?': violence at Apothecaries' Hall

The Quack Doctor • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
💾 History Medical Justice Prison Trial
  1. When taking an exam, it's important to maintain composure and not resort to violence, as it can lead to serious consequences like legal trouble and imprisonment.
  2. Qualifying exams in the 1830s for medical professionals were rigorous, covering subjects like chemistry, materia medica, and botany.
  3. Even with family wealth and additional qualifications, losing one's temper during a crucial moment can have long-lasting effects, including bankruptcy and a tarnished reputation.

A Most Unusual Artifact

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 0 implied HN points • 28 Oct 21
💾 History Biography Civil War Justice System Civic engagement Urban History
  1. Carol Whipple discovered a glass eye that belonged to her great-grandfather, Justice Roger Sherman Greene, while going through a box of family photos. It was a surprising and memorable moment for her.
  2. Roger Sherman Greene was a Civil War veteran and served as Chief Justice in Washington. He stood up for justice, even when it was dangerous, like when he tried to protect two men from a lynch mob.
  3. Despite his anti-Chinese views, Greene worked against racist mobs in Seattle to uphold the law. His life reflected a complex mix of beliefs, focusing on justice and community issues.

Nazi Jet Bombers of WW2

Military Aviation Videos • 0 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
💾 History
  1. The Nazi Luftwaffe was keen on developing jet-powered bombers during WWII, with various ambitious concepts proposed. However, some jets, like the Arado Ar 234, were actually used in combat.
  2. Unique designs like the Horten flying wing and the Junkers Ju 287 showcased innovative ideas like forward-swept wings and unconventional airframe constructions.
  3. Despite challenges like material shortages and engine reliability issues, the Nazi jet bombers paved the way for the future of bomber aircraft design and inspired post-war developments.

'I am the dead body'

The Quack Doctor • 0 implied HN points • 24 May 24
💾 History Medical Crime Deception Identity Life events
  1. A former medical student attempted to fake his own death certificate in 1901 to start fresh and deceive his family
  2. The fake corpse he created was discovered by the doctor, leading to his arrest and later conviction for obtaining the death certificate under false pretenses
  3. The man had a history of deception, had previous run-ins with the law, and eventually died under mysterious circumstances many years later

The Battle at Milne Bay

Military Aviation Videos • 0 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
💾 History World War II Military Aviation
  1. The Battle of Milne Bay was a significant WWII battle where Australian and US forces defeated Japanese forces, proving that the Japanese were not invincible on land.
  2. The Royal Australian Air Force played a vital role in maintaining air superiority and causing serious damage to the invading Japanese forces during the battle.
  3. The Allied forces at Milne Bay faced challenges such as Malaria, difficult living conditions, and combat in harsh tropical environments, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

SR-71 Blackbirds Over Vietnam

Military Aviation Videos • 0 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
💾 History Military Aircraft Vietnam War Intelligence Conflicts
  1. The SR-71 Blackbird was an advanced reconnaissance aircraft that was practically untouchable due to its high speed and altitude.
  2. Blackbird missions over Vietnam provided valuable intelligence by capturing photos of enemy missile activity and tracking North Vietnamese movements.
  3. Despite facing dangers like being tracked by surface-to-air missiles, the SR-71 Blackbird played a crucial role in various operations during the Vietnam War.

'Horrible bubbles': the whale bath for rheumatism

The Quack Doctor • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💾 History Medicine
  1. In the 1890s, people sought relief for rheumatism by immersing themselves in a rotting whale in New South Wales.
  2. The whale cure involved sitting in the whale's decomposing blubber for hours, with the belief that the gases released would cure rheumatism.
  3. Although the whale bath brought temporary relief for some, the side effects and the return of rheumatism often outweighed any initial benefits.

Monday Curiosity Links

Grist Potentia • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
💾 History Events
  1. Stephen Hawking, the famous physicist, was born on January 8, 1942.
  2. Hawking was initially not academically successful, but later showed aptitude for science.
  3. Hawking's father initially advised him to study medicine.

A fortune-teller’s love potion

The Quack Doctor • 0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💾 History True Crime Victorian Era Mysticism Scams Medicine
  1. A fortune-teller claimed to have a magical substance called 'Zep' that could influence the future and reveal a person's future beloved.
  2. Two sisters spent their savings on this 'Zep' substance, hoping to find husbands, but ended up losing a significant amount of money and facing threats from the fortune-teller.
  3. The fortune-teller's past involved criminal activities and despite her claims, the magical substance did not work, leading to legal consequences for her and disappointment for the sisters.

'Fopperous pisse-maximes': the art of urine-casting

The Quack Doctor • 0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
💾 History Medicine Science Art
  1. Physicians in history believed they could diagnose diseases solely from urine samples, but it was not an accurate method.
  2. Urine inspection has a long history in medicine, but ancient physicians saw it as part of a more comprehensive examination, unlike medieval European doctors who often relied solely on urine for diagnoses.
  3. Doctors in the past used 'uroscopy' to interpret urine colors and traits to determine different diseases, but the approach was lacking in scientific accuracy and often relied on deception.

Healers' wheels: Victorian doctors and their bicycles

The Quack Doctor • 0 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
💾 History Victorian Medicine Transportation Clothing Leisure
  1. Victorian country doctors embraced bicycles for efficient travel, especially after the introduction of the safety bicycle and pneumatic tires.
  2. Doctors adopting bicycles needed to consider practical aspects like owning two bikes for emergencies, preventing theft, and choosing comfortable saddles.
  3. Bicycles provided country doctors with not just a mode of transport, but also leisure and respite from their demanding careers.

Thursday Curiosity Links

Grist Potentia • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
💾 History
  1. On January 11, 1787, William Herschel discovered two moons of Uranus: Titania and Oberon.
  2. William Herschel built his first large telescope in 1774 and spent nine years surveying the skies.
  3. He used prisms and temperature sensors to measure the wavelength distribution of stars.

Tuesday Curiosity Links

Grist Potentia • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
💾 History Events People
  1. Today in History: Susan Sontag, an American writer and intellectual, was born on January 16, 1933 in New York City.
  2. Susan Sontag began her studies at the University of California, Berkeley before transferring to the University of Chicago to study philosophy, ancient history, and literature.
  3. Subscribe to Grist Potentia for a 7-day free trial to access more content and post archives.

The sad tale of the Talking Fish

The Quack Doctor • 0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
💾 History Entertainment Animal Welfare
  1. In 1859, the 'Talking Fish' exhibition in London turned out to be a seal trained to do tricks, not actually talking.
  2. Despite skepticism, the seal named Jenny had admirers and was cared for by her keeper, Joshua Benshimol.
  3. The unfortunate reality was that the seal, unable to thrive in captivity, passed away in 1859, highlighting the ethical concerns of keeping marine mammals in small tanks.

The British Supersonic Bomber

Military Aviation Videos • 0 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
💾 History Military Aircraft Design Development
  1. In the 1960s, there was a move towards developing supersonic bombers like the British TSR-2 and the American F-111 to replace older conventional bomber aircraft.
  2. The TSR-2 was an ambitious British design capable of high speeds and multirole capabilities, but faced challenges like high costs and competition from the American F-111.
  3. Despite its advanced features and successful test flights, the TSR-2 program was ultimately cancelled due to financial reasons, leading to controversy and impacting the British aeronautical industry.

When Israeli F4s fought North Korean MiGs

Military Aviation Videos • 0 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
💾 History Military War Aircraft Israel North Korea
  1. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Israeli F4 pilots supposedly engaged North Korean MiGs, highlighting unusual alliances in military history.
  2. The claims of Israeli-F4s versus North Korean MiGs have circulated for years, with conflicting reports from different sources making the actual events unclear.
  3. Despite Israeli denial, various sources and books suggest the intriguing possibility of North Korean pilots engaging in combat with Israeli aircraft during the Yom Kippur War.

The champion malingerer

The Quack Doctor • 0 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💾 History
  1. A man in late Victorian England named Abraham Henry Carter became known as 'The Champion Malingerer' for feigning illnesses to stay in hospitals for free. He charmed people with his personality, conversation skills, and artistic talent to manipulate his way into extended care.
  2. Carter used various disguises and aliases to avoid work and exploit workhouses for free accommodation and food, showcasing his knack for deception and manipulation.
  3. As Carter's fraudulent idleness finally met a hurdle with genuine illness leading to his demise, his story highlights the consequences of a life spent on deceit and exploitation instead of using his intelligence and talent constructively.

Mirage III in Australian Service

Military Aviation Videos • 0 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
💾 History Military Aircraft Australia Service
  1. In the mid-1950s, Australia chose the French Dassault Mirage III as its first supersonic fighter, over options like the American Lockheed F-104 Starfighter.
  2. The Mirage IIIO in Australian service initially had an engine choice between Rolls-Royce Avon turbojets and French SNECMA Atar 9C, with Avon being too costly and later switched to Atar 9C.
  3. The Mirage had a significant service history in Australia, with notable deployments to Malaysia and formations like the Deltas and Miracles aerobatic teams, before being retired by 1988.

Friday Curiosity Links

Grist Potentia • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💾 History Events
  1. On January 19, 1829, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's famous work Faust had its premiere performance.
  2. Faust, Part One was first published in 1808, and it is considered a significant piece of literature.
  3. Subscribe to Grist Potentia for 7 days of free access to their full post archives.

Spying in the Stratosphere

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 03 May 23
💾 History Cold War Aerospace Nuclear Politics Environmental Science Intelligence
  1. The Lockheed U-2 plane was used for spying during the Cold War and could fly very high, making it unique for its time. Pilots had to deal with tough conditions and were at risk if they didn't manage their speed correctly.
  2. Besides spying, the U-2 gathered important scientific data, including radioactive fallout from nuclear tests. This helped scientists understand air circulation and its effects on the environment.
  3. The development of the U-2 also led to advancements in satellite technology. Scientists realized that satellites could collect crucial data about the earth's atmosphere and weather patterns, paving the way for modern weather satellites.

Why Concorde Failed

Military Aviation Videos • 0 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
💾 History Aviation
  1. The Concorde project demonstrated that supersonic commercial travel is achievable but faced challenges that limited its success from start to finish, including cost overruns, safety concerns, and limited flight routes.
  2. The Concorde program adapted its strategy over time, targeting a corporate audience and adjusting ticket prices, which allowed it to operate profitably for British Airways, showing the importance of understanding customer demographics and perceptions.
  3. Despite its eventual retirement, the Concorde remains a symbol of futuristic design and a reminder of the potential for supersonic passenger travel, suggesting that with renewed interest and minimized political interference, supersonic transport may make a comeback in the future.

July 16, 1945, 5.29 a.m.

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
💾 History Nuclear policy Cold War Geopolitics Health Impact
  1. The Trinity Test on July 16, 1945, marked the beginning of the atomic age, significantly affecting global politics and raising serious ethical questions about atomic weapons.
  2. Residents living near the test site suffered from radiation sickness and increased infant mortality rates, as they were not warned about the dangers of the fallout.
  3. The fear of nuclear war persists today, with concerns about nuclear winter and the responsibility to push for the abolition of nuclear weapons to ensure global safety.

Truth is Very Dangerous to Come By: Amanda Vail on Fake News and the Spanish Civil War

The Octavian Report • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
💾 History 20th century War history European history Media History Journalism Propaganda
  1. Fake news isn’t new — it took root in the 20th century when new media tech and open access to battlefields let misinformation spread quickly during wars.
  2. Reporters and propagandists sometimes staged or invented scenes to sway opinion or gain fame, and those fabrications could change policy and aid decisions.
  3. Finding the truth still depends on brave, persistent journalists who risk danger to verify facts, because technology alone won’t stop propaganda.

The Rockfeller Foundation’s Molecular Vision of Life — How the Aims of Eugenics, Social Control, and Human Engineering Shaped Molecular Biology and 20th Century Science

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jan 09
💾 History Eugenics Social control Science
  1. The Rockefeller Foundation played a significant role in shaping the development of molecular biology through funding and influence, tying it to broader aims of eugenics and social control.
  2. Scientists in the 20th century were driven by the idea of using molecular biology as a means of social control and human engineering, aiming to rationalize and manipulate human behavior.
  3. Despite efforts towards social control and eugenics, historical evidence suggests that top-down manipulation of culture and society may not effectively address social issues and can lead to unintended consequences.

Monday Curiosity Links

Grist Potentia • 0 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
💾 History Events
  1. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929.
  2. His father was a pastor who stood up against segregation.
  3. Martin Luther King Jr. witnessed and fought against discrimination.

Thursday Curiosity Links

Grist Potentia • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
💾 History Events Biography
  1. Today in History: English writer A. A. Milne was born on January 18, 1882.
  2. A. A. Milne attended Westminster School and Trinity College in Cambridge.
  3. A. A. Milne was not just a writer, but also a talented cricketer who played for amateur cricket teams.

'The knowledge of things': Jane Sharp's art of midwifery

The Quack Doctor • 0 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
💾 History Medicine Gender Education
  1. Jane Sharp's 'The Midwives Book' was a pioneering midwifery manual written in English by a woman. It aimed to educate midwives on anatomy and help women understand pregnancy and childbirth.
  2. Sharp's work highlighted the importance of practical experience and anatomical knowledge for midwives, emphasizing the need for women to have access to education in the field.
  3. The book not only served as a guide for midwives but also empowered women by providing information and reassurance about pregnancy and childbirth, promoting a sense of agency over their reproductive health.

Defeating the death microbe

The Quack Doctor • 0 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
💾 History Medicine Science Culture Art Literature
  1. In 1895, there was a belief in a 'Death Microbe' that threatened human mortality, leading to speculation about immortality.
  2. Advertisements and stories around the Death Microbe highlighted societal and moral implications of potential immortality.
  3. The concept of the Death Microbe was likely a hoax perpetuated through newspapers, sparking creative works but not impacting real medicine.

Developing the Avrocar

Military Aviation Videos • 0 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
💾 History Military Aviation
  1. The Avrocar was a secret aircraft development program during the early Cold War.
  2. The Avrocar development process was captured in two films by the Avro company.
  3. Exploring the history of the Avrocar gives insights into unique engineering advancements of that time.

The Three Blessings of Musa

Outlandish Claims • 0 implied HN points • 21 May 24
💾 History Ancient History Biography Mathematics Culture Religion
  1. The story of Musa and the three wishes shows the importance of being cautious when dealing with offers that seem too good to be true.
  2. The tale of Mansa Musa highlights the lesson that wealth can be a fleeting possession and emphasizes the value of wisdom over riches.
  3. The narrative of Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi demonstrates how a name can become synonymous with wisdom and the lasting impact of contributions to knowledge.