In the Age of Sail, beer was a crucial provision aboard ships, offering a safe and nutritious alternative to potentially contaminated water. Brewed with a high alcohol content and hopped for preservation, it could last for months at sea, preventing scurvy and providing vital calories. While officers often enjoyed wine and spirits, beer was the everyday beverage for sailors, issued in daily rations and contributing significantly to morale. Records from the USS Constitution illustrate the logistics and importance of beer in naval operations, showing how large quantities were purchased, stored, and distributed to the crew. The practice eventually declined with improvements in water purification and the rise of temperance movements.
Archaeologists in England unearthed a remarkably intact, 1,700-year-old Roman chicken egg during a waterlogged site excavation. While other eggs from the same site broke upon discovery, this one remained whole, likely due to its preservation in a soft, oxygen-poor environment. Although the egg did eventually crack during a later cleaning, it initially held its shape and even contained some liquid within. Researchers believe the egg was a votive offering, intentionally placed at the site as part of a ritual practice.
Hacker News users discussed the fragility of the egg and the unlikelihood of it surviving intact for so long. Some questioned the claim it hadn't broken, suggesting hairline fractures invisible to the naked eye were possible. Others pointed to the potential for the egg to be much younger than claimed, citing the difficulty of precise dating for organic materials. The discussion also touched on the variability of preservation conditions in different soil types, and speculated about the egg's original purpose, like being part of a burial ritual. Some users expressed disappointment that the article lacked information about the egg's contents beyond it being "liquid," and hoped future analysis would reveal more.
This GitHub repository preserves incredibly early versions of Dennis Ritchie's Portable C Compiler, including pre-1.0 snapshots dating back to the late 1970s. These versions offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of C, showcasing its transition from a research language to the widespread programming powerhouse it became. The repository aims to archive these historically significant artifacts, making them available for study and exploration by those interested in the origins and development of C. It includes various versions for different architectures, providing valuable insights into early compiler design and the challenges of portability in the nascent days of Unix.
Hacker News users discussed the historical significance of the rediscovered C compiler source code, noting its use of PDP-11 assembly and the challenges of porting it to modern systems due to its tight coupling with the original hardware. Several commenters expressed interest in its educational value for understanding early compiler design and the evolution of C. Some debated the compiler's true "firstness," acknowledging earlier, possibly lost, versions, while others focused on the practical difficulties of building and running such old code. A few users shared personal anecdotes about their experiences with early C compilers and PDP-11 machines, adding a personal touch to the historical discussion. The overall sentiment was one of appreciation for the preservation and sharing of this piece of computing history.
Cornell University researchers have developed AI models capable of accurately reproducing cuneiform characters. These models, trained on 3D-scanned clay tablets, can generate realistic synthetic cuneiform signs, including variations in writing style and clay imperfections. This breakthrough could aid in the decipherment and preservation of ancient cuneiform texts by allowing researchers to create customized datasets for training other AI tools designed for tasks like automated text reading and fragment reconstruction.
HN commenters were largely impressed with the AI's ability to recreate cuneiform characters, some pointing out the potential for advancements in archaeology and historical research. Several discussed the implications for forgery and the need for provenance tracking in antiquities. Some questioned the novelty, arguing that similar techniques have been used in other domains, while others highlighted the unique challenges presented by cuneiform's complexity. A few commenters delved into the technical details of the AI model, expressing interest in the training data and methodology. The potential for misuse, particularly in creating convincing fake artifacts, was also a recurring concern.
Scientists have used advanced imaging techniques, including X-ray micro-CT scanning, to virtually unwrap and decipher text from a charred scroll discovered in Herculaneum, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago. The scroll, too fragile to physically unroll, is believed to contain philosophical writings by Philodemus, an Epicurean philosopher. While the process is still in its early stages, researchers have successfully deciphered some Greek letters and words, offering hope for further deciphering the text and gaining valuable insights into ancient philosophy.
HN commenters discuss the challenges and potential rewards of virtually unwrapping the En-Gedi scroll. Several express excitement about the technology used and the historical significance of the text, hoping it reveals more of Leviticus. Some are skeptical about the readability given the scroll's condition, while others debate the ethics and practicality of physically unrolling such fragile artifacts. The potential for AI to assist in the process and reconstruct missing text fragments is also a topic of discussion, with some cautioning against overreliance on these methods. A few users share links to previous work on the scroll and other related projects.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43769289
Commenters on Hacker News largely discuss the historical accuracy and practicality of beer as a staple drink on sailing vessels. Several point out the importance of beer as a safe beverage alternative to potentially contaminated water, emphasizing its role in preventing scurvy via its small vitamin C content (though not enough for full prevention) and its boiling process which killed harmful bacteria. Some commenters debate the alcoholic content of these historical beers, suggesting they were likely "small beer" with a lower ABV, making them more hydrating than modern-day equivalents. Others discuss the logistics of storage and preservation, such as the use of tightly sealed barrels to prevent spoilage. A few comments also touch upon the cultural significance of beer rations and their importance for morale amongst sailors.
The Hacker News post titled "Beer on Board in the Age of Sail (2017)" has a moderate number of comments discussing various aspects of the topic. Several commenters focus on the historical context of beer as a safe beverage compared to water during the age of sail, elaborating on how water storage methods of the time often led to contamination. They explain that the brewing process made beer a safer alternative, preventing illness and contributing to the health of sailors on long voyages.
Some comments delve into the specific types of beer consumed by sailors, mentioning "small beer," a lower-alcohol brew, and its importance for hydration and morale. They discuss the role of the purser in managing the ship's beer supply and the potential consequences of running out. One commenter highlights the British Navy's tradition of providing a daily beer ration, emphasizing its significance in maintaining discipline and preventing mutiny.
Another thread of discussion centers on the challenges of brewing beer at sea, touching upon the difficulties of storing ingredients and the potential for spoilage in the ship's hold. A few comments explore the historical accounts of sailors' resourcefulness in preserving and rationing their beer supplies, painting a picture of life at sea during that era.
Furthermore, the comments touch upon the cultural and social aspects of beer consumption within the naval context. One comment mentions the link between beer rations and the work sailors performed, emphasizing the role of alcohol as a form of payment or reward. Others mention "grog," a mixture of rum and water, and its eventual replacement of beer in the Royal Navy. A commenter also contrasts the prevalence of beer in the British Navy with the preference for wine in other navies, such as the French.
Finally, some comments offer additional information and resources related to the topic, including links to other articles and books on maritime history. Overall, the comments provide a rich and insightful discussion of the role of beer in the age of sail, expanding upon the details mentioned in the original blog post.