This paper examines Project Whitecoat (1954-1973), a biodefense medical research program involving Seventh-day Adventist conscientious objectors. Motivated by their religious beliefs against bearing arms, these volunteers participated in studies at Fort Detrick, Maryland, focusing on infectious diseases like Q fever, tularemia, and plague. The research aimed to understand disease mechanisms, develop vaccines, and enhance defensive biological warfare capabilities. The project, while raising ethical questions about human experimentation, offered Adventists an alternative form of national service aligned with their faith. The paper highlights the complexities of balancing scientific advancement, national security, and individual religious freedom during the Cold War.
The Smithsonian Magazine is seeking help identifying a prolific yet unknown photographer who documented San Francisco street life in the 1960s. Thousands of color slides, discovered in a box at a flea market, offer vibrant snapshots of everyday life, fashion, architecture, and cars of the era. The photographer's identity remains a mystery, and the magazine hopes the public can help shed light on who this individual was and the story behind the remarkable collection.
Hacker News users discussed the mystery photographer's skill, noting the compelling composition and subject matter of the photos. Some speculated on the photographer's possible professional background, suggesting they might have been a photojournalist or worked in advertising given the quality and volume of images. Several commenters focused on the technical aspects, discussing the likely camera and film used, and the challenges of street photography in that era. Others shared personal connections to San Francisco in the 1960s, adding context and reminiscing about the city during that time. A few users also suggested strategies for identifying the photographer, such as examining photo metadata or contacting local historical societies. The overall sentiment was one of appreciation for the discovered photos and a desire to uncover the photographer's identity.
In 1962, Roald Dahl's daughter Olivia died from measles encephalitis at age seven. Devastated, Dahl initially retreated into grief and questioned his faith. With the encouragement of a family friend, he eventually found solace by immersing himself in the creation of a measles vaccination campaign, advocating for its importance and helping fund research. While never fully recovering from the loss, Dahl channeled his grief into a positive action, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedy.
Hacker News users discuss Roald Dahl's reaction to the death of his daughter Olivia, with many focusing on his stoicism and attempt to find reason amidst grief. Some commenters find his eventual embrace of pseudoscience, specifically faith healing, understandable given the tragedy, while others criticize it as a dangerous path. The piece's portrayal of Dahl's complex grief resonated with several readers who shared personal experiences of loss and the different ways people cope. A few commenters also note Dahl's difficult personality, both before and after Olivia's death, questioning the simplicity of portraying him solely as a grieving father. Several users mention the irony of his later anti-vaccine stance, given that measles took his daughter's life, sparking discussion on the complexities of grief and its impact on decision-making.
"Work at the Mill" tells the story of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) through the lens of its unique and influential culture. From its modest beginnings in a Maynard, Massachusetts wool mill, DEC fostered a highly engineering-driven, decentralized environment that prioritized innovation and individual contribution. This culture, while empowering and productive in its early years, ultimately contributed to DEC's downfall as the company struggled to adapt to the changing demands of the personal computer market. The "engineering first" mentality, coupled with internal politics and a resistance to centralized management, prevented DEC from effectively competing with more agile and market-oriented companies, leading to its eventual acquisition by Compaq. The narrative emphasizes how DEC's initial strengths became its weaknesses, offering a cautionary tale about the importance of adapting to a changing technological landscape.
Hacker News users discuss the changing nature of work and the decline of "lifetime employment" exemplified by DEC's history. Some commenters reminisce about their time at DEC, praising its engineering culture and lamenting its downfall, attributing it to factors like mismanagement, arrogance, and an inability to adapt to the changing market. Others draw parallels between DEC and contemporary tech companies, speculating about which of today's giants might be the "next DEC." Several discuss the broader shift away from paternalistic employment models and the rise of a more transactional relationship between employers and employees. Some express nostalgia for the perceived stability and community of the past, while others argue that the current system, despite its flaws, offers greater opportunity and dynamism. The cyclical nature of industries and the importance of continuous adaptation are recurring themes.
Boston City Hall's Brutalist design emerged from a complex interplay of factors in the 1960s. Facing pressure to revitalize Scollay Square and embrace modernism, the city held an architectural competition. The winning design by Kallmann, McKinnell & Knowles, though initially controversial for its stark departure from traditional styles, aimed to embody democratic ideals with its open plaza and accessible interior. The project, part of a larger urban renewal effort, reflected the era's optimism about government's ability to solve social problems through architecture and urban planning. Despite its initial unpopularity, City Hall stands as a significant example of Brutalist architecture and a testament to the city's ambition for a modern future.
HN commenters discuss Boston City Hall's Brutalist architecture, mostly negatively. Several lament its ugliness and unfriendliness, comparing it to a parking garage or fortress. Some criticize its impracticality and lack of human scale, citing confusing navigation and wind tunnels. A few offer counterpoints, arguing that it's a significant example of Brutalist architecture, reflecting the era's optimism about government's role. One suggests its imposing design might have been intentional, meant to convey authority. The concrete's weathering and the surrounding plaza's design are also criticized. A couple of commenters express appreciation for the building's unique character, suggesting that its starkness has a certain appeal.
Summary of Comments ( 17 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43462882
Hacker News users discuss the ethical implications of Operation Whitecoat, focusing on the informed consent of the Seventh-day Adventist volunteers. Some debate the degree of coercion involved, given the alternative of military service during wartime. Several commenters highlight the potential for subtle pressure and the power dynamics inherent in the doctor-patient (or researcher-subject) relationship, questioning whether truly free consent was possible. Others express admiration for the Adventists' commitment to their beliefs and their willingness to serve their country in a non-combatant role. The lasting impact of these experiments and the potential for long-term health issues are also raised, along with the broader question of whether such research, even with apparent consent, is ethically justifiable.
The Hacker News post titled "Project Operation Whitecoat Military Human Experimentation on 7th Day Adventists (2010)" has a modest number of comments, generating a brief discussion around the ethical implications, historical context, and some personal experiences related to the project.
Several commenters highlight the ethical complexities of using conscientious objectors in medical experiments, even with informed consent. One commenter points out the potential coercion inherent in the situation, questioning the true voluntariness of the participants' consent given their limited options as conscientious objectors. Another commenter draws parallels to other ethically questionable experiments conducted by the US military, emphasizing a pattern of behavior.
Some comments offer historical context. One user shares a personal anecdote about a relative who participated in Operation Whitecoat, describing the individual's motivations and later health issues, though without definitively linking those health issues to the experiments. Another commenter mentions the use of Seventh-day Adventists in these trials stemmed from their pacifist beliefs and willingness to serve in non-combatant roles.
A few comments touch upon the scientific value and methodology of the experiments. While acknowledging the ethically dubious nature of the research, one commenter notes that valuable data on biological weapons was likely obtained. However, another commenter counters this by suggesting that the data may not be reliable due to the controlled environment and limited sample size, making extrapolation to the general population difficult.
The overall tone of the discussion is one of cautious reflection. While some acknowledge the potential scientific gains, most express concern over the ethical implications of using a vulnerable population for potentially hazardous research. The limited number of comments doesn't provide an exhaustive analysis, but it does offer a glimpse into the varied perspectives on this complex historical event.