Pointing machines, population pyramids, post office scandal, type species, and horse urine
11 hours ago
- Michelangelo likely used a 'compass method' for sculpting marble, not a pointing machine, which was invented later.
- Population pyramids, invented by Francis Amasa Walker in the 1874 US atlas, are powerful data visualizations showing past and future trends.
- In the British Post Office scandal, buggy software led to nearly 1,000 wrongful prosecutions due to arrogance, stupidity, and negligence.
- Miscarriages of justice may be common but underreported, as prosecutors have wide latitude and can convict innocents with vague evidence.
- Type species definitions in zoological nomenclature are complex, with post office scandal and biological terms highlighting obscure technical language.
- The hormonal drug Premarin is named after pregnant mare urine (PREgnant MARe's urINe), reflecting historical pharmaceutical practices.