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TIL that in the 1700s, Queen Caroline of Great Britain had smallpox innoculation trialled on six prisoners in return for commuting their death sentences. When this was successful, she innoculated her own children, popularising the process.

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DQxpv TIL: Ping-pong balls are made with celluloid, which is a byproduct of the paper-making process. Celluloid is used in ping-pong balls because it is easily molded and shaped, while allowing for the high-bounce property of the balls.
4Xrjb TIL, After a shockingly unexpected race at the Formula 1 1977 Austrian GP, Australian Alan Jones won. But as no one expected it, the organisers didn't have the Australian national anthem to play. Their solution? They got a drunk Austrian Spectator to play Happy Birthday on the trumpet instead.......
e0G8k TIL that the lowest point in Louisiana is found in its largest city, New Orleans, an area that lies at an elevation of 8 feet below sea level. The average elevation of the city lies at 1 to 2 feet below sea level mainly owing to subsidence as much of the city had been constructed on swamp lands.
Z8gBG TIL that certain snails can sleep for up to 3 years.
ep6y6 TIL sonar is lethal. At 235 decibels, the vibrations can rupture your lungs and cause brain hemorrhaging.