› added 8 years ago

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TIL that “generic” and “specific” are derived from “genus” and “species” and were originally scientific biological terminology

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loPQG TIL of "Arsenic Eaters" - a group of Austrians who ingested doses far beyond the lethal dose of arsenic trioxide without any apparent harm. They used to eat up small doses initially and gradually built up to 300-400mg as a mithridate to help enable strenuous work at high altitudes in the Alps
XZZr TIL in 1559 a (male) surgeon claimed to have discovered the clitoris, announcing “ "Since no one has discerned these projections and their workings, if it is permissible to give names to things discovered by me, it should be called the love or sweetness of Venus”
g7R9 TIL that Food Babe once claimed that microwave ovens cause water molecules to form crystals that resemble crystals exposed to negative thoughts or beliefs.
yvYl TIL that a man’s investments were prevented from growing to their full extent out of fear that they would exceed the value of the world.
dJV9 TIL Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” was recorded just two days before Redding died in a plane crash. The iconic whistling at the end of the track was the result of Redding forgetting the lyrics he had written for that part.