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TIL there were no casualties at the Battle of Fort Sumter, the first engagement of the American Civil War. However, two privates were mortally wounded during the 100-gun salute to the flag, which was Major Anderson’s one condition for withdrawal.

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eppQD TIL that the first version of rayon was so inflammable that it got nicknamed "mother-in-law silk."
awQQZ TIL that the 22 official languages of India use 13 different writing systems: देवनागरी, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ગુજરાતી, اردو‌, ಕನ್ನಡ, മലയാളം, ਗੁਰਮੁਖੀ, ଉତ୍କଳ, ᱚᱞ ᱪᱤᱠᱤ, ꯃꯤꯇꯩ ꯃꯌꯦꯛ, العربية
rR0ax TIL That 'flint' lighters produce toxic 'flint' dust. This toxic dust is visible and appears as smoke when a flint lighter is ignited. Flint dust contains rare earth metals, especially bad when inhaled. Any smoker concerned about their health should use an electronic ignition lighter.
EvXo TIL a study showed that US public opinion on policies has a “minuscule, near-zero, statistically non-significant impact” on the chance a bill will become law. Contrarily, economic elite’s opinions have substantial impact and high correlation with policy change.
mxP1Y TIL of John Monash, an Australian WWI general who was so good at organising battles and overseeing the wellbeing of his troops, that during the Battle of Hamel in 1918, he managed to arrange the delivery of hot meals to troops, even up to the front line.