The New-York Historical Society's 2015 blog post highlights its collection of Civil War stereographs, offering a glimpse into the 19th-century phenomenon of 3D viewing. These double photographs, viewed through a stereoscope, provided immersive experiences for audiences eager to connect with the war's realities. The post showcases examples depicting battlefields, encampments, and portraits of soldiers, emphasizing the power of this technology to transport viewers back in time and offer a visceral understanding of the conflict. The collection reveals not only the war's devastating impact but also the evolving role of photography in documenting and disseminating information.
The Internet Archive has launched a 24/7 livestream showcasing its document preservation process. Viewers can watch in real time as microfiche and microfilm are digitally converted, accompanied by a lo-fi hip-hop soundtrack. This offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Archive's efforts to make historical documents accessible online.
Hacker News users generally found the Internet Archive's microfiche live stream charming and quirky. Several commenters appreciated the "lo-fi beats to relax/study to" vibe, with some joking about its ASMR qualities or its potential as a screensaver. Others expressed genuine interest in the archival process itself, appreciating the transparency and the glimpse into a less-digital world. A few users pointed out the inefficiency of the scanning process, leading to a discussion about the trade-offs between speed and quality in preservation efforts. One commenter suggested the stream offered a counterpoint to the fast-paced nature of the modern internet, finding it calming and meditative.
In 1825, scientific inquiry spanned diverse fields. Researchers explored the luminous properties of rotting wood, the use of chlorine in bleaching, and the composition of various minerals and chemicals like iodine and uric acid. Advances in practical applications included improvements to printing, gas lighting, and the construction of canal locks. Scientific understanding also progressed in areas like electromagnetism, with Ampère refining his theories, and astronomy, with studies on planetary orbits. This snapshot of 1825 reveals a period of active exploration and development across both theoretical and practical sciences.
HN commenters were impressed by the volume and breadth of research from 1825, highlighting how much scientific progress was being made even then. Several noted the irony of calling the list "incomplete," given its already extensive nature. Some pointed out specific entries of interest, such as work on electromagnetism and the speed of sound. A few users discussed the context of the time, including the limited communication infrastructure and the relative youth of many researchers. The rudimentary nature of some experiments, compared to modern standards, was also observed, emphasizing the ingenuity required to achieve results with limited tools.
Digital archivists play a crucial role in preserving valuable public data, which is increasingly at risk due to the ephemeral nature of digital platforms and storage media. They employ a variety of strategies, including format migration, emulation, and web archiving, to combat issues like link rot, software and hardware obsolescence, and intentional deletion. These professionals face significant challenges, including the sheer volume of data, rapidly evolving technologies, and securing adequate funding and resources. Ultimately, their work ensures the long-term accessibility and usability of vital information for researchers, journalists, and the public, safeguarding historical records and holding power accountable.
Hacker News users discussed the challenges of digital archiving, focusing on format obsolescence and the lack of consistent, long-term funding. Several commenters highlighted the importance of plain text formats and emphasized the need for active maintenance and migration of data, rather than relying on any single "future-proof" solution. The complexities of copyright in a digital world were also mentioned, with concerns about orphan works and the chilling effect restrictive licenses might have on preservation efforts. Some users suggested decentralized, community-driven approaches to archiving, while others expressed skepticism about long-term digital preservation altogether, pointing to the inevitable decay of storage media and the constant evolution of technology. The difficulty of predicting future needs and the potential for valuable data to be lost due to seemingly insignificant choices made today were recurring themes. A few commenters shared personal experiences with data loss and stressed the need for robust, accessible backups.
The iNaturalist project "First Known Photographs of Living Specimens" aims to document the earliest known photographs of organisms in their natural state. It seeks to compile a collection of verifiable images, ideally the very first, depicting various species as they appeared in life, rather than as preserved specimens or illustrations. This project prioritizes photographs taken before 1900, especially from the early days of photography, offering a glimpse into the historical record of biodiversity and the development of nature photography. Contributions require evidence supporting the claimed date and identification of the organism, ideally with links to primary sources.
HN users generally found the iNaturalist project documenting first known photographs of species fascinating. Several commenters highlighted the surprisingly recent dates for some common species, like the European hedgehog in 1932. Discussion arose around the challenges of verification and the definition of a "good" photograph, with some suggesting the inclusion of museum specimens as a valuable addition. Others pointed out potential biases in the dataset, such as a focus on charismatic megafauna or limitations based on photographic technology availability and adoption across regions. The project's value in demonstrating biodiversity loss and changing species distributions was also acknowledged.
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.
Wired's 2019 article highlights how fan communities, specifically those on Archive of Our Own (AO3), a fan-created and run platform for fanfiction, excel at organizing vast amounts of information online, often surpassing commercially driven efforts. AO3's robust tagging system, built by and for fans, allows for incredibly granular and flexible categorization of creative works, enabling users to find specific niches and explore content in ways that traditional search engines and commercially designed tagging systems struggle to replicate. This success stems from the fans' deep understanding of their own community's needs and their willingness to maintain and refine the system collaboratively, demonstrating the power of passionate communities to build highly effective and specialized organizational tools.
Hacker News commenters generally agree with the article's premise, praising AO3's tagging system and its user-driven nature. Several highlight the importance of understanding user needs and empowering them with flexible tools, contrasting this with top-down information architecture imposed by tech companies. Some point out the value of "folksonomies" (user-generated tagging systems) and how they can be more effective than rigid, pre-defined categories. A few commenters mention the potential downsides, like the need for moderation and the possibility of tag inconsistencies, but overall the sentiment is positive, viewing AO3 as a successful example of community-driven organization. Some express skepticism about the scalability of this approach for larger, more general-purpose platforms.
Richard Feynman's blackboard, preserved after his death in 1988, offers a glimpse into his final thoughts and ongoing work. It features a partially completed calculation related to the quantum Hall effect, specifically concerning the motion of a single electron in a magnetic field. The board also displays a quote from "King Lear" – "What art thou that dost torment me in this world" – alongside a drawing and some seemingly unrelated calculations, hinting at the diverse range of topics occupying his mind. The preserved blackboard serves as a poignant reminder of Feynman's relentless curiosity and enduring engagement with physics.
HN users discuss the contents of Feynman's blackboard, focusing on the cryptic nature of "Know how to solve every problem that has been solved." Some interpret it as a reminder to understand fundamental principles rather than memorizing specific solutions, while others see it as highlighting the importance of studying existing solutions before tackling new problems. A few users point out the irony of the seemingly unfinished thought next to it, "What I cannot create, I do not understand," speculating on what Feynman might have intended to add. Others comment on the more mundane items, like the phone numbers and grocery list, offering a glimpse into Feynman's everyday life. Several express appreciation for the preservation of the blackboard as a historical artifact, providing insight into the mind of a brilliant physicist.
This blog post from the British Library showcases a 15th-century manuscript (Harley MS 1760) containing a fascinating early example of medical licensing. The document grants "Master Nicholao" permission to practice medicine in the diocese of Norwich, specifically allowing him to treat internal ailments. Issued by the Bishop of Norwich, it highlights the Church's historical role in regulating medical practice and reveals contemporary understanding of medical specializations, differentiating between treating internal diseases and surgical procedures. The manuscript exemplifies the intersection of religious authority and healthcare in medieval England.
HN users discuss the historical context of medical licensing, highlighting how it served to protect established physicians and potentially stifle innovation. Some point out the inherent difficulty in assessing medical competence in earlier eras, lacking the standardized testing and scientific understanding we have today. Others draw parallels to modern regulatory hurdles faced by startups and new technologies, suggesting that licensing, while intended to protect the public, can also create barriers to entry and limit progress. The elitism and gatekeeping aspects of early licensing are also mentioned, with some arguing that similar dynamics still exist in modern healthcare systems. A few users express skepticism about the overall efficacy of medical licensing throughout history, questioning whether it has truly improved patient outcomes.
The National Archives is seeking public assistance in transcribing historical documents written in cursive through its "By the People" crowdsourcing platform. Millions of pages of 18th and 19th-century records, including military pension files and Freedmen's Bureau records, need to be digitized and made searchable. By transcribing these handwritten documents, volunteers can help make these invaluable historical resources more accessible to researchers and the general public. The project aims to improve search functionality, enable data analysis, and shed light on crucial aspects of American history.
HN commenters were largely enthusiastic about the transcription project, viewing it as a valuable contribution to historical preservation and a fun challenge. Several users shared their personal experiences with cursive, lamenting its decline in education and expressing nostalgia for its use. Some questioned the choice of Zooniverse as the platform, citing usability issues and suggesting alternatives like FromThePage. A few technical points were raised about the difficulty of deciphering 18th and 19th-century handwriting, especially with variations in style and ink, and the potential benefits of using AI/ML for pre-processing or assisting with transcription. There was also a discussion about the legal and historical context of the documents, including the implications of slavery and property ownership.
Summary of Comments ( 5 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44127177
HN commenters were fascinated by the 3D stereograph photos of the Civil War, expressing surprise at the technology's existence during that era. Several pointed out the haunting and surreal nature of seeing such a destructive period in 3D, making it feel more immediate and real. Some discussed the technical aspects of stereoscopic photography and the challenges of capturing such images during the war. A few commenters also shared additional resources related to Civil War photography and 3D imagery. The overall sentiment was one of awe and appreciation for the historical significance and technological ingenuity of these photographs.
The Hacker News post linking to the New-York Historical Society's blog post about Civil War stereographs has a modest number of comments, offering a few different perspectives on the topic.
Several comments focus on the technical aspects of stereoscopic photography. One user points out the surprising sophistication of 19th-century lens manufacturing, highlighting that achieving good stereo pairs requires carefully matched lenses. Another commenter discusses the experience of viewing stereographs, noting the sometimes unsettling feeling of unreality or artificiality they can produce. This commenter also mentions the surprisingly long history of 3D viewing technology, referencing Sir Charles Wheatstone's work in the 1830s. Another comment thread discusses the various viewing methods, including handheld stereoscopes, Holmes stereoscopes, and free-viewing techniques.
Some comments touch upon the historical significance of the images. One commenter notes the eerie feeling of looking into the past and seeing the faces of individuals who lived through such a pivotal moment in American history. Another reflects on the impact of the Civil War and how these images offer a glimpse into that era.
A couple of comments offer additional resources. One user links to a collection of Civil War stereographs on Flickr, providing further opportunity to explore this type of photography. Another links to a resource about the history of stereo photography, broadening the context beyond the Civil War.
Finally, one comment humorously remarks on the ubiquity of 3D technology hype cycles, suggesting that the interest in 3D imaging is a recurring phenomenon.
While not a large number of comments, they offer a mix of technical insights, historical reflections, and further avenues for exploration related to stereoscopic photography and the Civil War.