The Scientific Revolution was not only a revolution in ideas. It was also a revolution in numbers. During the 17th century, scholars tried to describe the heavens, motion, light, and matter with greater precision than ever before. To do that, they needed more than curiosity. They needed measurement, comparison, and calculation. At the start of… Continue reading The Math of the Scientific Revolution
A Brief History of Mauritania
By Tim Lambert Early Mauritania In the 3rd century, Berbers arrived in what is now Mauritania. In the 7th century, the Arabs arrived. In the 15th century, the Portuguese arrived in Mauritania. They were followed by other Europeans who traded with the local people for gum arabic and slaves. In 1817, the French took control… Continue reading A Brief History of Mauritania
The history of the most dangerous highway in America: I-95 in NJ
Interstate 95’s New Jersey segment has long been recognized as one of the most hazardous stretches of highway in the United States. The history of I-95 in New Jersey reveals a legacy of infrastructural development, increasing traffic, and evolving safety challenges that continue to shape local communities and approaches to highway management. Running through densely… Continue reading The history of the most dangerous highway in America: I-95 in NJ
A History of Comets
By Tim Lambert Comets are balls of ice and organic material ‘leftover’ from when the Solar System formed. They originate on the outer limits of the Solar System, past the orbit of Neptune. However, most comets have highly elliptical orbits, so for part of their orbits, they approach the Sun more closely. As they approach… Continue reading A History of Comets
A History of Radio
By Tim Lambert The radio was a great invention. It allowed people to communicate over long distances, including ship crews. It also allowed entertainment. It is debatable who invented radio. As with many inventions, there were several men working on the same idea around the same time. However, on 2 June 1896, Marconi became the… Continue reading A History of Radio
A History of Plastic
By Tim Lambert Plastics are artificial materials that can be easily moulded. Its name is derived from the Greek word plastikos, meaning easily moulded or shaped. Plastics were first made in the 19th century. The first plastic was called Parkesine. It was invented by Alexander Parkes in 1862. He made it by mixing cellulose nitrate… Continue reading A History of Plastic
The History of Card Games in the Philippines: From Traditional Pastimes to Online
Card games have been an essential part of Filipino culture for generations. Long before smartphones and online entertainment became widespread, groups of friends and families gathered around small tables, sari-sari stores, and neighborhood corners to enjoy a friendly match. From simple leisure activities to competitive games with wagers, card games have always played a role… Continue reading The History of Card Games in the Philippines: From Traditional Pastimes to Online
Bookmakers learned to blend in, from back rooms to high streets
Bookmakers in Britain have long reflected changing attitudes toward gambling, shifting from hidden corners to the heart of daily life. Their journey began in unmarked, discreet spaces where betting took place far from the public eye. As laws and public perception evolved, these operators gradually emerged onto busy high streets, becoming a common fixture in… Continue reading Bookmakers learned to blend in, from back rooms to high streets
A History of the Asteroids
By Tim Lambert The Discovery of the Asteroids The asteroids are small heavenly bodies, almost all of which orbit between Mars and Jupiter. The first asteroid to be discovered was Ceres. It was discovered by Giuseppe Piazzi in 1801. He named it after the Greek goddess of Agriculture. In 1802 Wilhelm Olbers discovered a second… Continue reading A History of the Asteroids
They Were the First!
By Tim Lambert In 690 AD, Empress Wu Zetian became the first woman to rule China. In 1678, Elena Piscopia became the first woman in the world to gain a PhD. In 1725, Catherine I became the first woman to rule Russia. In 1783, two men, Jean-François de Rozier and the Marquis d’Arlandes, made the… Continue reading They Were the First!