› added 3 years ago

440

TIL The phrase "mad as a hatter" originated in the hat making industry of the 18th century as mercury nitrate was a vital substance used in the production process. This lead to a variety of physical and mental ailments, including tremors (“hatter’s shakes”), speech problems, emotional instabilities.

Read more history.com

via reddit.com

Nnde TIL that the Bayanzi tribe of the Congo would execute via decapitation with a twist. While alive, the head of the condemned would be connected to a springy sapling so that when it was cut off, it would be thrown through the air “With the force of a bomb”.
R5N6Q TIL that the sawfish, usually seen in cartoons, really do have a sharp cutting snout. While myths about cutting ship hulls are untrue, injuries from the "saw" are a real threat to fishing boat crews. When the animal is caught it intentionally tries to cut humans by using its snout like a sword.
vPXY7 TIL Philosopher Zeno of Citium, the founder of the stoic school, once tripped and fell while leaving his school, breaking his toe. He saw this as a sign that he shouldn't live any longer, so he commited suicide on the spot
oRmkA TIL that the New Caledonia pine (Araucaria columnaris) leans towards the equator wherever it is on Earth, except in New Caledonia, the region where it is endemic : the farther it is from the equator, the more it tilts.
LQ7dP TIL Dermot Mulroney, alongside being an actor, is a cellist who performed on the musical scores for Jurassic World (2015), Rogue One (2016), and Spider-Man: Homecoming