Hell Gate, a treacherous stretch of the East River in New York City, posed a significant navigational hazard for centuries. This document details the extensive efforts undertaken to remove these obstacles, culminating in the large-scale demolition project of 1876. Initial attempts, like removing smaller rocks and improving existing channels, proved insufficient. General John Newton meticulously planned and executed the removal of the largest obstructions, Flood Rock and Hallet's Point, using innovative techniques like extensive tunneling and strategically placed explosives. The successful demolition of Flood Rock in 1885 dramatically improved navigation, marking a triumph of engineering and a significant milestone in the development of New York City's harbor.
Britain's naval dominance during the Age of Sail wasn't solely due to superior shipbuilding or fighting prowess, but a combination of factors creating a positive feedback loop. Consistent funding, driven by effective financial institutions and a willingness to prioritize naval spending, allowed for a larger, continuously maintained fleet. This larger fleet, in turn, enabled Britain to secure crucial trade routes and resources, further bolstering its economy and funding. This self-reinforcing cycle, combined with a professional, well-trained officer corps and a strategic focus on maintaining naval supremacy, cemented British dominance at sea.
HN commenters largely agree with the LessWrong post's premise that British naval dominance stemmed from superior financing, enabled by a more stable and trustworthy government that could borrow at lower rates. Some elaborate on this, pointing to Britain's sophisticated financial instruments like the Bank of England and its ability to fund long wars. Others highlight additional contributing factors, such as the strategic geographic location of Britain, the professionalization and meritocratic structure of the Royal Navy, and Britain's investment in research and development of naval technology. A few commenters express skepticism about oversimplifying a complex historical issue, emphasizing the influence of factors like superior timber resources, experience gained through near-constant warfare, and social factors influencing naval manpower.
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.
Charles Darwin's children, particularly his sons Francis and Horace, used the manuscript of "On the Origin of Species" as a canvas for their drawings. These doodles, discovered by historian Mario A. Di Gregorio, range from childish scribbles to more elaborate scenes of battling vegetables and fantastical creatures, transforming some pages into vibrant palimpsests. These markings offer a charming glimpse into the Darwin family's domestic life and reveal that the groundbreaking scientific work also served a more mundane purpose in the household.
HN commenters largely enjoyed the whimsical nature of Darwin's children's drawings on his manuscript, seeing it as a humanizing touch to a monumental scientific work. Some pointed out the irony of Darwin's serious work being defaced with childish depictions of battles between vegetables, while others saw it as a testament to the book's enduring influence, even within his own family. A few commenters noted the high quality of the drawings, speculating about the artistic talents of Darwin's children. One commenter linked to a digitized version of the manuscript, allowing others to explore the drawings firsthand. There's also a brief discussion about the practicality of using such valuable documents as scrap paper, highlighting the different perspectives on historical artifacts.
The Substack post "Photographs of 19th Century Japan" showcases a curated collection of images offering a glimpse into life in Japan during the Meiji era and late Edo period. These photographs, many hand-colored, depict a range of subjects, from landscapes and cityscapes to portraits of individuals and scenes of daily life. The collection illustrates a period of significant transition in Japan, bridging the traditional world with the burgeoning influences of modernization. The curated imagery emphasizes the beauty and unique cultural aspects of Japan during this historical timeframe.
Hacker News users discuss the captivating nature of the linked photographs, appreciating the glimpse into everyday life in 19th-century Japan. Several commenters express fascination with the clothing and hairstyles depicted, with some noting the apparent mix of traditional Japanese and Western styles. The quality of the photographs, especially considering their age, is also a point of admiration. One commenter points out the poignancy of these images, representing people who lived entirely different lives, yet shared the same human experience. A few users share links to related resources, including other collections of historical Japanese photographs and information on the photographic techniques of the time.
The claim that kerosene saved sperm whales from extinction is a myth. While kerosene replaced sperm whale oil in lamps and other applications, this shift occurred after whale populations had already drastically declined due to overhunting. The demand for whale oil, not its eventual replacement, drove whalers to hunt sperm whales to near-extinction. Kerosene's rise simply made continued whaling less profitable, not less damaging up to that point. The article emphasizes that technological replacements rarely save endangered species; rather, conservation efforts are crucial.
HN users generally agree with the author's debunking of the "kerosene saved the sperm whales" myth. Several commenters provide further details on whale oil uses beyond lighting, such as lubricants and industrial processes, reinforcing the idea that declining demand was more complex than a single replacement. Some discuss the impact of petroleum on other industries and the historical context of resource transitions. A few express appreciation for the well-researched article and the author's clear writing style, while others point to additional resources and related historical narratives, including the history of whaling and the environmental impacts of different industries. A small side discussion touches on the difficulty of predicting technological advancements and their impact on existing markets.
"The Nobel Duel" details the intense rivalry between two giants of 20th-century physics: Robert Millikan and Felix Ehrenhaft. Their decades-long feud centered on the fundamental nature of electric charge. Millikan's meticulous oil-drop experiment seemingly proved the quantized nature of charge, earning him the Nobel Prize. Ehrenhaft, however, persistently challenged Millikan's results, claiming to have observed "subelectrons" carrying fractions of the elementary charge. The article portrays the scientific clash, highlighting the personalities and experimental methods of both physicists, while exploring the complexities of scientific validation and the potential for bias in interpreting experimental data. Ultimately, Millikan's view prevailed, solidifying the concept of the elementary charge as a fundamental constant in physics.
HN commenters discuss potential bias in the Nobel Prize selection process, referencing the linked article's account of the competition between Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for the mRNA vaccine technology prize. Some express skepticism towards the narrative of a "duel," highlighting the collaborative nature of scientific advancements and suggesting the article oversimplifies the story for dramatic effect. Others point to the inherent difficulties in attributing credit within complex research fields and the potential for overlooking deserving contributors. The discussion touches on the wider issue of recognition in science, with some questioning the value of individual awards like the Nobel Prize, given the inherently collaborative nature of scientific discovery. There's also discussion around the potential for overlooking less prominent scientists due to institutional or personal biases.
For millennia, the cuneiform script, found on ancient Mesopotamian clay tablets, remained undeciphered. Scholars suspected it was a complex system, potentially encompassing logographic, syllabic, and alphabetic elements. The breakthrough came in the mid-19th century, spurred by the discovery of the Behistun Inscription, a trilingual text in Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian cuneiform. Four scholars, working independently and sometimes competitively, raced to unlock its secrets. By comparing the known Old Persian with the cuneiform, they gradually deciphered the script, revealing it to be primarily syllabic and opening a window into the rich history and culture of ancient Mesopotamia.
Hacker News users discussed the challenges and excitement of deciphering ancient scripts, with several highlighting the crucial role of context and finding bilingual inscriptions, like the Rosetta Stone, in cracking the code. Some debated the definition of "writing system" and whether Proto-Elamite truly qualifies, referencing other potential earlier contenders like the Jiahu symbols. Others pointed out the article's inaccuracies, particularly regarding the timeline and contributions of various researchers involved in deciphering Proto-Elamite. A few users also expressed fascination with the human drive to create and understand symbolic representation, and how these ancient scripts provide a window into the past. The limitations of current understanding were also acknowledged, with some noting the ongoing debate surrounding the meaning and function of Proto-Elamite.
Ruth Belville, known as the "Greenwich Time Lady," carried on her father's unique business of selling the precise time to Londoners from 1892 to 1940. She would synchronize her pocket watch, nicknamed "Arnold," to the Greenwich Mean Time clock at the Royal Observatory and then visit her clients, mostly jewelers and businesses, charging them a small fee for the accurate time. Though the advent of radio time signals presented competition, Belville continued her service, valued for her reliability and personal touch, until the outbreak of WWII. Her meticulous timekeeping method and long-standing tradition represented a bridge between astronomical observation and personal timekeeping in a rapidly changing world.
HN commenters were fascinated by Ruth Belville's story, with many expressing admiration for her entrepreneurial spirit and the unique niche she carved out. Some discussed the technical aspects of her time-selling business, questioning the accuracy of her chronometer and how she managed logistics like transportation and client scheduling. Others drew parallels to modern subscription services, noting that she essentially offered "time as a service." A few users shared further historical context, pointing out other instances of time being a commodity or highlighting the transition to standardized timekeeping. Several commenters also lamented the loss of such quirky, individualistic businesses in the modern era.
Ebenezer Clifford, a 19th-century planemaker in Maine, supplemented his income by diving for shipwrecks. He used a diving suit of his own design, featuring a helmet with a glass faceplate and a flexible hose supplying air from the surface. Clifford’s diving exploits, recovering items like anchors and cannons, were well-known locally. He apparently applied his ingenuity to both planemaking and diving, showcasing a remarkable combination of craftsmanship and adventurous spirit.
Hacker News users discussed the intriguing story of Ebenezer Clifford, a planemaker and diving bell inventor. Several commenters focused on the ingenuity of Clifford's diving bell design, particularly its use of a weighted bellows system for air replenishment. Some debated the historical accuracy of attributing the invention solely to Clifford, pointing to earlier diving bell iterations. Others expressed fascination with Clifford's dual professions and the potential connection between woodworking precision and the technical demands of underwater exploration. A few users shared additional resources about early diving technology, highlighting the dangers and limitations of these pioneering devices. The overall sentiment was one of admiration for Clifford's ingenuity and the historical context of his inventions.
The Substack post "Photographs of the Old West" showcases a curated collection of historical images offering glimpses into life in the American West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The photographs, many by renowned photographers like William Henry Jackson and Edward Curtis, depict diverse subjects, from landscapes and indigenous peoples to frontier towns, cowboys, and the burgeoning railroad. The post emphasizes the romanticized perception of the West versus its complex realities, highlighting both the grandeur of the landscape and the hardships faced by those who inhabited it.
Hacker News users discussed the surprising modernity visible in the "Old West" photographs, noting the paved streets, electric lines, and fashionable clothing. Some commenters highlighted the staged nature of many iconic Western images, contrasting them with the more mundane reality depicted in these photos. The discussion also touched on the rapid technological advancement of the era, the relatively late closure of the frontier, and the romanticized perception of the Old West perpetuated by Hollywood. Several commenters shared additional resources, including links to other photo collections and historical information. A few questioned the accuracy of the "Old West" designation for some of the later photographs, pointing out that they depict a period closer to the early 20th century.
This blog post highlights the surprising foresight of Samuel Butler's 1879 writings, which anticipate many modern concerns about artificial general intelligence (AGI). Butler, observing the rapid evolution of machines, extrapolated to a future where machines surpass human intelligence, potentially inheriting the Earth. He explored themes of machine consciousness, self-replication, competition with humans, and the blurring lines between life and machine. While acknowledging the benefits of machines, Butler pondered their potential to become the dominant species, subtly controlling humanity through dependence. He even foresaw the importance of training data and algorithms in shaping machine behavior. Ultimately, Butler's musings offer a remarkably prescient glimpse into the potential trajectory and inherent risks of increasingly sophisticated AI, raising questions still relevant today about humanity's role in its own technological future.
Hacker News commenters discuss the limitations of predicting the future, especially regarding transformative technologies like AGI. They point out Samuel Butler's prescient observations about machines evolving and potentially surpassing human intelligence, while also noting the difficulty of foreseeing the societal impact of such developments. Some highlight the exponential nature of technological progress, suggesting we're ill-equipped to comprehend its long-term implications. Others express skepticism about the timeline for AGI, arguing that Butler's vision remains distant. The "Darwin among the Machines" quote is questioned as potentially misattributed, and several commenters note the piece's failure to anticipate the impact of digital computing. There's also discussion around whether intelligence alone is sufficient for dominance, with some emphasizing the importance of factors like agency and access to resources.
"The Human Alphabet," published in 1848, presents a whimsical yet structured exploration of letterforms created by contorting the human body. Engraved by artist Edward Lumley, the illustrations depict men, women, and children individually and in groups, painstakingly arranged to mimic each letter of the alphabet. The poses range from simple to complex, demonstrating both the flexibility of the human form and the ingenuity required to achieve these typographic representations. Ultimately, the work serves as a playful intersection of art, anatomy, and typography, offering a unique visual interpretation of the alphabet.
Hacker News users discussed the historical context and artistic merit of human alphabets. Some noted similar formations depicted in older works, like a 15th-century manuscript. Several appreciated the diversity represented by including non-Western alphabets, pointing out examples from Ethiopia and India. There was debate about the practicality and accuracy of the formations, with some questioning how legible or standardized they truly were, particularly for languages with larger character sets. Others found the concept aesthetically pleasing and fascinating, appreciating the ingenuity and creativity of representing language through the human body. A few comments focused on the photographer's skill in capturing these intricate poses. The overall sentiment leaned toward appreciation for the historical curiosity and visual appeal of the human alphabets.
Charles Darwin's children, particularly his sons Francis and Horace, used his scientific manuscripts as canvases for their youthful doodles. These drawings, discovered on the backs of and within the pages of important documents like early drafts of On the Origin of Species, include whimsical sketches of ships, houses, and fantastical creatures. While initially seen as distractions, these markings now offer a charming glimpse into the Darwin family's domestic life, humanizing the renowned scientist and demonstrating that even groundbreaking work can coexist with the playful chaos of raising a family. Cambridge University Library's Darwin Manuscripts Project has digitized these marked-up manuscripts, making them accessible to the public online.
Commenters on Hacker News appreciated the humanizing glimpse into Darwin's life as a father alongside his scientific pursuits. Several noted the charm and humor of the children's additions to such important work, with one pointing out the irony of corrections made on the theory of evolution by the next generation. Another commenter shared a similar anecdote about their own father, a physicist, whose work was "decorated" by their sibling. The overall sentiment reflects a fondness for the story and a sense of connection to the playful chaos of family life, even in the context of groundbreaking scientific work. A few users also expressed interest in seeing more of these marked-up manuscripts.
Summary of Comments ( 8 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44020574
HN commenters discuss the immense and dangerous project of clearing Hell Gate, a treacherous strait in New York's East River. Several express awe at the engineering feat, particularly the complex calculations and controlled explosions involved. Some highlight the historical significance of improving navigation and commerce in the area, while others focus on the ecological impact, mentioning the displacement of wildlife and changes to the river's flow. A few commenters note the article's dry technical style, with one suggesting a more narrative-driven account would be engaging. The discussion also touches upon the human element, with comments about the workers involved and the broader impact on the city's development. A compelling comment thread explores the different methods considered, including a ship canal across Astoria, highlighting the eventual choice of underwater blasting as the most effective (and dramatic) solution.
The Hacker News post titled "The Conquest of Hell Gate [pdf]" linking to a US Army Corps of Engineers history of the Hell Gate clearing project has generated several comments discussing various aspects of the project.
One commenter highlights the sheer scale of the project, expressing awe at the 1.8 million pounds of explosives used and the resulting displacement of water, mentioning that "the whole of New York harbor felt it." They also note the meticulous planning and execution that prevented any damage to surrounding structures.
Another comment focuses on the human element, drawing attention to the dangerous working conditions faced by the individuals involved, particularly those working underwater in caissons. They point out the risks of "the bends" (decompression sickness) and other hazards.
The ingenuity and engineering prowess displayed in the project also receives attention. One commenter praises the innovative techniques used, like the grid system of tunnels and shafts drilled to place the explosives, considering it a marvel of engineering for its time.
There's discussion about the historical context, with some comments mentioning the impact of the improved navigation on New York's development as a major port. One commenter notes that Hell Gate posed a significant challenge to shipping and that its clearing was crucial for the city's economic growth. Another relates how this project, along with the Erie Canal, cemented NYC's dominance as a port.
A few comments touch on the environmental impact, with one commenter speculating about the ecological consequences of such a massive explosion, though no definitive information is offered within the comment thread.
Finally, a commenter points out a technical detail regarding the specific type of explosive used – Rackarock – and provides some information about its composition and properties, highlighting its relative safety for transport and storage compared to other explosives of the time. This commenter also mentions the subsequent use of Rackarock in the Panama Canal project.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News reflect a general appreciation for the engineering feat, acknowledging the challenges faced and the ingenuity applied in the conquest of Hell Gate. They also highlight the human cost and the significant impact the project had on the development of New York.