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Show HN: I wrote a technical history book on Lisp
3 months ago
- The Genius Of Lisp is a book about the history of the Lisp programming language.
- The book is published by Berksoft Publications and authored by Cees de Groot.
- Available for purchase in various formats (ebook, paperback, hardcover) on platforms like Lulu.com, Kobo, and Amazon.
- Feedback can be provided via IRC channel ##geniusoflispbook, Mastodon, Lemmy, or Hacker News.
- Includes a linkable bibliography and a section for collecting errata to improve the book.
Catherine of Braganza, the Queen Who Brought Tea to England
2 months ago
- Catherine of Braganza married King Charles II of England in 1662, strengthening Portugal-England ties.
- The marriage was politically motivated: England needed gold and ports, while Portugal sought military protection.
- Catherine's dowry included Bombay, Tangiers, and access to Brazil and the East Indies, though England never received the full cash payment.
- Catherine faced challenges in England due to her Catholic faith, reserved nature, and Charles II's infidelity with Barbara Palmer.
- Despite marital unhappiness, Catherine introduced tea-drinking to the English court, popularizing it as a social beverage.
- Tea became a cultural staple in England, influencing art, social customs, and household items like teapots and cups.
- Charles II respected Catherine and refused to divorce her, defending her against false accusations.
- After Charles's death, Catherine returned to Portugal, where she served as regent before her death in 1705.
- Catherine's legacy endures in England's tea-drinking culture, shaping a 400-year-old tradition.
First Website
2 months ago
- The website is the home of the first-ever website.
- Visitors can browse the original first website.
- A line-mode browser simulator is available to experience how the first website was viewed.
- Information about the birth of the web is provided.
- Details about CERN, the physics laboratory where the web was invented, are available.
The Eternal Promise: A History of Attempts to Eliminate Programmers
2 months ago
- The promise to simplify software creation and eliminate programmers has been a recurring theme since the 1960s.
- COBOL was created in 1959 to allow business managers to write their own programs, but instead created a new profession of COBOL programmers.
- The 1970s saw optimism about AI and expert systems, but the first AI winter occurred when expectations were not met.
- Fourth-generation languages (4GLs) in the 1980s promised to abstract complexity but still required specialized skills for complex applications.
- CASE tools in the late 1980s and early 1990s aimed to generate code from models but proved cumbersome and inefficient.
- The 1980s also saw a second wave of AI with expert systems, which failed due to brittleness and knowledge acquisition challenges.
- The internet era brought tools like Dreamweaver and WordPress, but web development became more complex, not simpler.
- Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) in the early 2000s attempted code generation from UML diagrams but faded due to maintenance challenges.
- No-code and low-code platforms since 2015 have enabled citizen developers but still require traditional developers for complex applications.
- Large language models like GPT-4 and GitHub Copilot are the latest wave, offering productivity gains but not eliminating the need for programmers.
- The fundamental challenge of software development is translating human intent into precise, maintainable, and secure systems.
- Each wave of tools lowers barriers for simple tasks but increases demand for sophisticated software and developers.
- Human skills like understanding requirements, design decisions, and debugging remain essential despite advancements in tools.
- The history of software simplification shows that deep understanding and problem-solving skills are irreplaceable.
The Man Who Stole Infinity
2 months ago
- Georg Cantor, a mathematician, revolutionized mathematics by introducing the concept of infinity in his 1874 paper.
- Cantor's work on infinity led to the development of set theory, which became a foundational aspect of modern mathematics.
- Demian Goos, a mathematician and journalist, discovered a lost letter from Richard Dedekind to Cantor, revealing that Cantor's famous 1874 paper involved uncredited contributions from Dedekind.
- The letter, dated November 30, 1873, showed that Dedekind had provided key insights and proofs that Cantor used in his paper without proper acknowledgment.
- Cantor's relationship with Dedekind deteriorated after the publication, and Dedekind stopped corresponding with him for nearly three years.
- Cantor faced significant opposition from contemporaries like Leopold Kronecker, who rejected the concept of infinity and blocked Cantor's career advancements.
- Despite the controversy, Cantor's ideas on infinity and set theory eventually gained acceptance and reshaped mathematics.
- The discovery of the lost letter challenges the narrative of Cantor as a lone genius and highlights the collaborative nature of mathematical progress.
- Dedekind's contributions, though less recognized, were significant, and his role in the development of set theory is now being reassessed.
- The story underscores the human aspects of mathematical discovery, including issues of credit, collaboration, and personal conflict.
What was the first life restoration of a sauropod?
2 months ago
- The first published life restoration of a sauropod was in Ballou (1897), illustrated by Knight under Cope's direction, depicting Amphicoelias in a lake.
- Earlier restorations were found in 1892 publications: Henry Neville Hutchinson's 'Extinct Monsters' (illustrated by Joseph Smit) and James Erwin Culver's article in 'The Californian Illustrated Magazine' (possibly illustrated by Carl Dahlgren).
- Camille Flammarion's 1886 book 'Le Monde Avant la Création de l’Homme' contains the oldest known sauropod life restoration by Jules Blanadet, predating the 1892 examples.
- The author acknowledges previous errors in identifying the first sauropod restoration and invites information on any older examples than 1886.
Modern Illustration: Archive of illustration from c.1950-1975
2 months ago
- Archive of illustrations from c.1950-1975.
- Spotlights pioneering illustrators and their work.
- Project by illustrator Zara Picken.
- Features print artefacts from her personal collection.
- Aims to preserve mid-20th century commercial art.
- Creates an accessible resource for illustration history.
- Includes a 'Recent Additions' section.
The 1,700-year-old megastructure history almost forgot
2 months ago
- CNN Travel's weekly newsletter 'Unlocking the World' offers updates on destinations, aviation, food, and accommodations.
- Jetavanaramaya, a massive 4th-century Sri Lankan monument, is a little-known engineering marvel built from brick and surviving centuries of challenges.
- Ephesus in Turkey, a well-preserved Roman port city, attracts 2.5 million visitors annually with its vast historical sites.
- Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, under construction for 144 years, nears completion with an opening ceremony planned for its central tower.
- A Canadian couple transformed a mold-covered yacht into their floating home, and an American woman bought an Italian apartment sight unseen based on a view.
- Jamie Hargreaves retraced his father's 1980s round-the-world bicycle trip, recreating photos and connecting with his dad's legacy.
- A chance encounter between Brits and Americans led to three transatlantic love stories and weddings.
- Japan reports a rise in ski and snowboard accidents among foreign tourists, straining rescue operations.
- A viral photo caused an Australian beauty spot to close due to overwhelming visitor numbers.
- British pubs can be daunting for visitors, but there are ways to blend in.
The surprising whimsy of the Time Zone Database
2 months ago
- Time zones are complex and best handled by leveraging existing open-source solutions rather than creating new code.
- British Columbia's switch to permanent daylight time is reflected in the IANA Time Zone Database.
- The IANA Time Zone Database documents extensive historical changes, such as Britain's double summer time during WWII.
- The database includes whimsical entries, like critiques of daylight savings and historical anecdotes about timekeeping.
- Notable entries include Robertson Davies' critique of daylight savings and stories like Nashville's 'dueling faces' clock.
How people woke up before alarm clocks
2 months ago
- Before alarm clocks, people used natural cues like daylight and roosters to wake up.
- During the industrial revolution, knocker uppers were hired to wake workers on time by tapping on windows or using peashooters.
- Other historical wake-up methods included candle clocks that dropped nails hourly and water clocks that triggered alarms.
- Church bells and domestic bells were also common signals for waking up in medieval and early modern Europe.
- The first mechanical alarm clock was invented in 1787, but widespread use only came after 1876.
- Knocker uppers also played a societal role, sometimes discovering fires or crimes during their rounds.
- By the 1920s, knocker uppers became obsolete as affordable alarm clocks became common.
- Historical sleep patterns were often biphasic or polyphasic, differing from today's monophasic sleep.
- Morning light exposure was crucial for regulating circadian rhythms in pre-industrial societies.
- Maintaining regular sleep hours was considered vital for health, a principle dating back to ancient Greeks.
Jim Roskind's C and C++ grammars
2 months ago
- The article discusses Jim Roskind's contributions to C/C++ programming, particularly his grammars from the 1990s.
- Roskind's work includes files like 'c++grammar1.1.tar.Z' and 'c++grammar2.0.tar.Z', which are detailed with hashes for verification.
- The grammars include files such as 'GRAMMAR5.TXT', 'CPP5.Y', and 'C5.Y', providing insights into C++ parsing ambiguities and lexical analysis.
- Roskind's discussions on comp.compilers are cited in modern compiler research, highlighting their enduring relevance.
- The term 'lexer hack' may originate from Roskind's work, as noted in 'grammar5.txt'.
- The article emphasizes the historical and technical value of Roskind's grammars for understanding C/C++ language evolution and compiler test cases.
Show HN: What was the world listening to? Music charts, 20 countries (1940–2025)
2 months ago
- The text appears to be a mix of song titles, artists, and years, possibly representing music charts from different eras and countries.
- United States 1975: 'Love Will Keep Us Together' by Captain & Tennille, 'Rhinestone Cowboy' by Glen Campbell, 'Philadelphia Freedom' by Elton John.
- Philippines 1985: 'Anak' by Freddie Aguilar, 'Mr. DJ' by Sharon Cuneta, 'Narito Ako' by Gary Valenciano.
- United Kingdom 2010: 'Love the Way You Lie' by Eminem feat. Rihanna, 'When We Collide' by Matt Cardle, 'Just the Way You Are (Amazing)' by Bruno Mars.
An unappetizing shrub became different vegetables
2 months ago
- Wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is the ancestor of many vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts due to its diverse useful elements.
- Selective breeding over centuries has led to the development of various Brassica oleracea varieties, each with distinct edible parts (leaves, buds, inflorescences).
- Polyploidy in wild cabbage has contributed to its genetic diversity and adaptability, allowing for the creation of numerous vegetable varieties.
- Archaeological and linguistic evidence suggests that Brassica oleracea was first domesticated in ancient Greece before spreading to other regions.
- Wild cabbage's resilience and adaptability make it valuable for future crop improvements, especially in the face of climate change.
The History of Soap
2 months ago
- The origins of soap are unknown, likely invented independently in various places before recorded history.
- Soap is created through saponification, mixing fats (animal or vegetable), alkali (from ash), and water.
- Early soap may have been discovered accidentally, possibly from cooking fats mixing with ash and water.
- The first recorded evidence of soap-like materials dates back to 2800 BC in Ancient Babylon, used for garment washing.
- Gallic (Celtic) soap, mentioned by Pliny the Elder (AD 77), was used for hair dyeing and later for hygiene.
- Aretaeus of Cappadocia (2nd century AD) documented the first clear evidence of soap used for personal hygiene by Gauls.
- By the 6th century, Gallic soap was well-known in the Byzantine Empire, often enhanced with fragrances.
- Olive oil-based soap emerged in the Middle East and Mediterranean, becoming a luxury product.
- Industrial advancements in the 18th–19th centuries made soap affordable and widely available.
- Modern soap production was revolutionized by chemists like Nicolas Leblanc and Ernest Solvay.
Video Shows How Globes Were Made by Hand in 1955. End of a 500-Year Tradition
2 months ago
- The first globe, the 'Nürnberg Terrestrial Globe' or 'Erdapfel', was created in 1492 by Martin Behaim and Georg Glockendon.
- Globe-making was a handcrafted tradition until machines took over in the 20th century.
- A 1955 British Pathe film shows women in North London crafting globes by hand, producing 60,000 annually.
- A 1949 black & white mini-documentary details the 15-hour globe-making process.
- Open Culture invites readers to sign up for their free newsletter and support their mission through donations.
Fear and Fragility: The Glass Delusion and Its History
2 months ago
- The glass delusion was a psychological condition in early modern Europe where individuals believed they were made of glass.
- King Charles VI of France believed his body was glass and had iron rods sewn into his clothes to prevent shattering.
- The condition was documented in medical literature across four centuries, with cases in the Netherlands, France, and Spain.
- Miguel de Cervantes used the glass delusion in his story 'El licenciado Vidriera' to explore themes of transparency and freedom.
- René Descartes referenced the glass delusion to distinguish his philosophical doubts from madness.
- Princess Alexandra Amalie of Bavaria believed she had swallowed a glass piano, reflecting societal pressures on women.
- The glass delusion faded by the mid-19th century as glass became less novel and other idioms of distress emerged.
- Modern equivalents of the glass delusion include fears of invisible forces like X-rays and electromagnetic waves.
- The delusion served as a cultural idiom for expressing psychological distress in a recognizable way.
The ancient reason there are 60 minutes in an hour
a month ago
- The French Republic attempted to decimalize time in 1793, dividing the day into 10 hours, each with 100 minutes, but the system was abandoned after causing practical difficulties.
- The Sumerians, an ancient Mesopotamian civilization, developed a base-60 (sexagesimal) number system, which influenced modern timekeeping (60 minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute).
- The Babylonians adopted the Sumerian sexagesimal system and further divided time into smaller units, influencing later Greek and Hellenistic timekeeping methods.
- Ancient Egyptians were the first to divide the day into 12 hours, leading to the 24-hour day, possibly influenced by star clocks and religious practices.
- Mechanical clocks in the 12th century improved timekeeping accuracy, but it wasn't until the 18th century that minutes and seconds became commonly used in daily life.
- Atomic clocks, developed in the 20th century, redefined the second with extreme precision, using caesium-133 atoms, and now underpin modern technologies like GPS and the internet.
- The decimal time experiment in France lasted only 17 months, failing due to lack of practical advantage and disruption to existing systems, unlike the successful adoption of metric measurements.
Musketeer d'Artagnan's remains believed found under Dutch church
a month ago
- Remains believed to be those of the legendary French musketeer d'Artagnan have been found under a Dutch church.
- The skeleton was discovered under St Peter and Paul Church in Maastricht by deacon Jos Valke, who is 99% certain it belongs to d'Artagnan.
- D'Artagnan, a close aide to Louis XIV, was killed during the Siege of Maastricht in 1673 and later immortalized in Alexandre Dumas' stories.
- Evidence supporting the identification includes burial on sacred ground, a bullet found in the grave, and a 1660 coin from the bishop who attended Mass for Louis XIV.
- An archaeologist involved in the excavation is awaiting DNA confirmation but acknowledges the high likelihood of the skeleton being d'Artagnan.
- D'Artagnan is believed to have been hit by a musket ball in the throat during the siege and was buried locally due to mid-summer conditions.
Why So Many Control Rooms Were Seafoam Green (2025)
a month ago
- The article explores the historical use of seafoam green in industrial control rooms, particularly during the Manhattan Project.
- Faber Birren, a color theorist, played a key role in developing color codes for industrial safety and efficiency, including the use of light green to reduce visual fatigue.
- Birren's color theories were adopted by major industries, including DuPont, which designed facilities for the Manhattan Project.
- The color coding system included specific hues like Fire Red for emergencies and Safety Green for safety equipment.
- The article also touches on the cultural impact of seafoam green and its use in various settings beyond industrial plants.
- The author shares personal anecdotes and additional design projects inspired by industrial aesthetics.
Skeleton of Three Musketeers' d'Artagnan may have been found under Dutch church
a month ago
- Remains found under a church in the Netherlands may belong to d'Artagnan, the inspiration for 'The Three Musketeers'.
- The skeleton was discovered near the altar of St Peter and Paul Church in Maastricht, with a bullet fragment and period coin.
- D'Artagnan, a real-life musketeer for King Louis XIV, died in 1673 during the siege of Maastricht.
- DNA testing is underway to confirm the identity by comparing with descendants.
- A letter from the time of his death mentioned burial in consecrated ground, supporting the claim.

Hasty Briefsbeta

#history

Show HN: I wrote a technical history book on Lisp

Catherine of Braganza, the Queen Who Brought Tea to England

First Website

The Eternal Promise: A History of Attempts to Eliminate Programmers

The Man Who Stole Infinity

What was the first life restoration of a sauropod?

Modern Illustration: Archive of illustration from c.1950-1975

The 1,700-year-old megastructure history almost forgot

The surprising whimsy of the Time Zone Database

How people woke up before alarm clocks

Jim Roskind's C and C++ grammars

Show HN: What was the world listening to? Music charts, 20 countries (1940–2025)

An unappetizing shrub became different vegetables

The History of Soap

Video Shows How Globes Were Made by Hand in 1955. End of a 500-Year Tradition

Fear and Fragility: The Glass Delusion and Its History

The ancient reason there are 60 minutes in an hour

Musketeer d'Artagnan's remains believed found under Dutch church

Why So Many Control Rooms Were Seafoam Green (2025)

Skeleton of Three Musketeers' d'Artagnan may have been found under Dutch church