HISTORY

Morals, Mammaries, and the Invention of the Stethoscope

In 1816, French physician Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laennec had a young woman on his exam table, and no idea what to do with her. The examination up to that point suggested a diseased heart, but Laennec wasn’t sure how he would confirm that.

Alanbritom via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0

War for Scarce Resources Didn't Kill Off Easter Islanders, Study Says

Analysis of the “spear points” scattered across the island shows they may actually have been household tools.

J.R.R. Tolkien Poems Discovered in 1936 College Magazine

Tolkien scholar Wayne Hammond has tracked down two of the writer’s previously unseen poems.

The 7 Biggest Political Blunders of All Time

Presented by 'Join or Die with Craig Ferguson' on HISTORY.

Who Was the "Gerry" of Gerrymandering?

Elbridge Gerry might have gone down in history as the “Father of the Bill of Rights.” Instead, he’s remembered first and foremost for another, less admirable claim to fame.

25 Spirited Facts About Massachusetts

14. If one Shrewsbury resident has his way, the state will soon be home to Busta Rhymes Island.

15 of the Most Brazen Ponzi Schemes in Business History

Remember: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

On Its Anniversary, a Valentine For Voyager 1’s Pale Blue Dot

The image would never have happened if it weren't for Carl Sagan.

The Time Singapore Turned Away Led Zeppelin Because of Their Long Hair

Singapore officials: "NO STAIRWAY."

25 Larger-Than-Life Facts About Texas

The birthplace of presidents, movie stars, folk heroes, and outlaws, here are 25 facts about the Lone Star State.

How to Spam People via Telegram, According to a 1928 Handbook

From “How To Write Telegrams Properly,” which explained how to send thousands of telegrams with the same message at once.

The Short, Tragic Life of the Eight-Ball Jacket

Michael Hoban designed costumes for Elvis, but it was a trip to the bowling alley that really refined his style.

Titanic II Replica Ship to Set Sail in 2018

A liner for those who want to experience history firsthand.

25 Well-Tuned Facts About Tennessee

10. There have been so many songs written about Tennessee, the Volunteer State has 10 official compositions.

U.S. Coast Guard via Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

The Time New York City Almost Exploded

When Tom Joyce showed up for duty at Caven Point Army Depot near Jersey City on April 24, 1943, he was probably thinking this would be another routine day—not one when he’d have to be fighting for his own life and the lives of everyone across the river.