› added 1 year ago

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TIL someone patented a brass monkey arranged so that, when it got cold enough, its balls would freeze off

Read more patents.justia.com

via reddit.com

kJxRg TIL Roller Coasters were invented in 1884 to save Americans from Satanic temptations, following the uprise of saloons and brothels.
OoJn4 TIL of the Devils Hole Pupfish, the entire species exists within a 22 by 3.5 meter pool in Death Valley. In 2007 as few as 38 individuals remained. As of spring 2019, the population had reached 136.
xVWE5 TIL that introduction of iodized salt in 1920s increased national IQ average by 3.5 points in a decade and in certain states which had high levels of iodine deficiency previously, saw avg IQ increase as much as 15 points within the first decade.
4RoN TIL the “2-3 months salary” a guy should spend on a engagement ring was a marketing campaign by diamond mining company De Beers
XEbMk TIL the artist Michelangelo drew illustrated versions of his shopping lists, so his illiterate servant could understand them without reading. One list from 1518 now tours alongside Michelangelo's artworks.