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Paleobotany
A Selective History of the Sacred Poppy
4 weeks agoOpium poppy (Papaver somniferum) image in public domain. By Patrick Hunt – Any history of the opium poppy, in this case Papaver somniferum or the “sleep-bringing” poppy, must be replete with its known medical use and perhaps equally its less scientific lore. Why it has been known as the “sacred […]
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Artifacts of Material History
Ship Figureheads: Statues of the Sea
2 months agoBayeux Tapestry Norman Ships with Dragon Prows as “Figureheads” (image public domain) By Timothy Demy – The carving and painting of eyes, faces, and figures on boats and ships is an ancient practice that continues around the globe in the present day. Whether the eyes were decorative, religious, or believed […]
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History of Science
MIND MATTERS: Tragedy, Psychology and Mental Illness
3 months agoImage courtesy of J.C. Scull, Mental Illness – History and Ancient Treatments, Invisible Illness, 2022 By Walter Borden, M.D. – In the Dark Ages of Greek ancient history (before writing), mental illness and seizure disorders were considered as demonic possession of one kind or another. Mysticism was the prevailing explanation of all unknowns. […]
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Food History
Long History of the Fig
4 months agoEmma Bridgewater Figs (Photo P. Hunt) By Patrick Hunt – If asked what the oldest cultivated fruit might be, how surprised would anyone be to know it could be the fig (represented by the botanical specimen of Ficus carica), apparently cultivated through the long Early Neolithic at least back to […]
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Art
A Favorite Heirloom Book Illustrated by Maxfield Parrish
5 months agoCover of Eugene Field and Maxfield Parrish, Poems of Childhood, 1904 By P. F. Sommerfeldt – If you had a favorite book as a child, depending on how old – or young – you were, this book is not unlikely to look fairly battered if you’ve still had it long […]
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