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TIL a failed experiment of an 18 year old English chemist in search of a treatment for malaria in 1856 produced one of the world’s first synthetic dyes for the color purple, which severely impacted economic trade as some natural dyes were major commodities more valuable than silver or gold

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aw1j9 TIL that the last confirmed use of armored trains in combat was during the Yugoslav conflicts in the period between 1991-1995 in the areas of Croatia and Bosnia & Hercegovina. Many of these trains were made using on-site materials and were equip with various ordinances of many types and calibers.
yQn8p TIL the House of Representatives is surrounded by 23 marble relief portraits of famous historical lawgivers, including Napoleon, Jefferson, Moses, Lycurgus, Solon, Gaius and Hammurabi.
n5jb TIL In 1965 an engine exploded on a 707 taking 1/3rd of the wing with it but was able to land safely. When another 707 was sent to pick up all the passengers its nose gear collapsed on landing. A 3rd 707 was then sent to pick up any remaining passengers who still trusted planes at this point.
QpAL TIL pickle juice has about 20 times more sodium and eight times more potassium than a regular sports drink. Turns out that drinking an ounce or two of pickle juice can stop cramping within about 85 seconds – faster than water alone. Many athletes drink pickle juice before exercise to prevent cramps
xV7o7 TIL In 2016, Manchester United canceled a game and evacuated the stadium after a steward discovered a pipe bomb in the bathrooms. Fortunately, the bomb was a fake; it had been left there by the security team during a training exercise and forgotten.