Aviation history began in China in 600 BC with tethered kite flying. Abbas Ibn Firnas demonstrated gliders and invented the first parachute in the 9th century. The first hot air balloon was built in the 18th century, followed by the first steerable hot air balloon in 1818. The first fully controllable airship was built in […]
Humans have been using solar energy since 600 BC, starting with magnifying glasses and mirrors. The history of solar energy continued with inventions such as solar collectors and photovoltaic cells. In the 1980s, the first solar-powered aircraft and car were created, and in the 1990s, rooftop solar power became more popular. Solar energy will continue […]
Gustave Whitehead flew a powered plane in 1901, over two years before the Wright brothers’ flight. The Wright brothers’ flight is considered the first by the Smithsonian Institution and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale. Other inventors also claimed to have flown before the Wright brothers. Powered flight became important during World War I. Powered flight is […]
Geological time is divided into supereons, eons, eras, and periods. Stratigraphy is used to study rock layers and establish critical points in time. Dating can be imprecise due to vast time spans. Geological history is used to study climate, evolution, and the Earth’s formation. Disputes can arise due to inaccurate dating or lack of information. […]
Arrest records may not be public in some countries, but individuals can request their own records. In the US, state laws vary, but employers and landlords may still request them. Law enforcement websites may offer searches, but certified copies require a fee and may need to be requested in person or by mail. Access to […]
Legislative history refers to materials created during the drafting of a bill, including committee reports, bill text, and testimony. It can be controversial and is used to interpret the intent behind older laws. Some regions welcome its use, while others strongly discourage it. Legislative history is a legal term used to describe any material created […]
Learning your family history can be important for understanding heritage and future generations. Organize information with pre-printed forms or create your own system. Start with oldest family members and use resources like the internet and Family History Library. Preserve information on acid-free paper for future generations. Knowing your family history can be important for a […]
The Latin alphabet originated from the Phoenician alphabet, with changes made by the Etruscans in the 5th century BC. It spread across Europe and underwent changes until it reached its current form. Cursive writing and lowercase letters were introduced later, and some letters were added over time. Some experts suggest replacing certain letters with more […]
Shakespeare wrote historical plays, particularly about the Plantagenet and Tudor dynasties. King John, Richard II, Henry IV, Parts I and II, Henry V, Henry VI, Parts I, II and III, Richard III and Henry VIII are some of his famous works. Shakespeare’s plays were not entirely historically accurate but gave English citizens access to an […]
The concept of robotics dates back to ancient Greece, with examples such as mechanical servants of the god Hephaestus and Architas’ steam-powered bird. The Industrial Revolution saw automation in cloth production and Charles Babbage’s prototype of the “Difference Engine”. The modern era began in 1959 with the founding of the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT, […]
Medical history forms help doctors gather information about patients’ health, risk factors, and care requirements. They may include questions about family medical history, allergies, medication, lifestyle choices, and sexual practices. Dishonesty on these forms can be detrimental to the patient and may constitute fraud. A history form is something doctors help patients fill out or […]
General Electric (GE) is a major technology conglomerate founded by Thomas Edison in 1878. It has grown to become one of the most powerful companies in the world, with interests in diverse industries such as electric lighting, power transmission, medical equipment, and transportation. GE has continued to innovate over the years, introducing new products and […]
Scott Paper Company turned unusable thick paper into individual sections sold as an alternative to cloth towels. Sani-Towels® were introduced in 1907, but perforated rolls of paper towels weren’t available until 1931. Improvements include more layers, patterns, embossed designs, and varying perforation length. The paper towel story is a story of serendipity stemming from a […]
Birds evolved from small dinosaurs about 155 million years ago, with feathers and the ability to glide and eventually fly. The most famous fossil indicating an evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds is Archaeopteryx. The extinction of dinosaurs and pterosaurs left the skies open, allowing birds to become a major source of food for carnivorous […]
The Earth’s crust formed 4.44 billion years ago, 100 million years after the formation of the Earth. The Iron Catastrophe caused denser elements to sink into the core, while lighter elements formed the crust. The Hadean era was lifeless, and the Late Heavy Bombardment may have prevented the creation of long-lived continents. Photosynthetic life evolved […]
Important fossil finds include the discovery of a mosasaur by Georges Cuvier, giant armadillos and sloths by Darwin, the dinosaur bird Archeopteryx, Burgess Shale fossils, and the Mistaken Point Assemblage. The 19th century saw a renaissance in fossil discoveries, with major dinosaur groups and plant fossils found. Recent finds concern the dawn of animal history, […]
Identity theft has been around since at least the 16th century, but with the advent of computers and the internet, new methods such as phishing and spoofing have emerged. The US Federal Trade Commission has identified it as the fastest growing crime in the US, with thefts increasing in size. The largest case of identity […]
In AD 536, a giant volcano in Iceland erupted, covering Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia in darkness for a year and a half. This led to widespread deaths, starvation, and freezing summer temperatures. The catastrophe was followed by two more eruptions and an epidemic of bubonic plague. The worst times lasted until […]
Sickle cell anemia was first identified in 1910 by Dr. James Herrick. It is a genetic condition that causes abnormal red blood cells, leading to low-oxygen blood and moderate to severe pain. Researchers have since discovered its relationship to oxygen, genetics, and hemoglobin, and continue to search for effective treatments and cures. While sickle cell […]
Credit history is a report of an individual’s credit-related activities, including loans, payments, and debts. Credit score is determined by credit history, and a good credit history is important for obtaining credit and loans. Credit history is recorded on a credit report by Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Improving credit score can be done by reviewing […]
