Month: October 2020

Leiden University Library Opens in the Netherlands (1587)

The city of Leiden played a prominent role in the revolt that would create an independent Dutch nation. In 1575—a year after Leiden had survived a siege by the Spanish—Prince William the Silent founded a university in the city. Today, Leiden University is the oldest in the Netherlands. Its library, once housed in a single room, is now home to a monumental collection of books, manuscripts, maps, and letters—some of which are centuries old and very rare. What was the library’s first book? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Thadingyut

For Buddhists, the period from the full moon day of the 11th lunar month until the full moon day of the 12th lunar month marks the end of Vassa and the beginning of the Kathin, or pilgrimage season. This is a time when Buddhists make pilgrimages to various temples, bringing food and gifts—particularly new robes—to the monks. In Myanmar, Thadingyut is the day on which the Buddha completed his preaching of the Abhidhamma, or “philosophy.” In Laos, it is called Boun Ok Vatsa, or the Festival of the Waters, as it is a popular time for pirogue (canoe) races. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

John Evelyn (1620)

From 1631 until his death in 1706, Evelyn kept a diary that is today an invaluable source of information on 17th-century British social, cultural, and political life. He corresponded frequently with Samuel Pepys, another now-famous diarist of the time. Living as a wealthy country gentleman in Deptford, he wrote about 30 books on various subjects including reforestation, vegetarianism, and numismatics. In 1661, he wrote the Fumifugium, believed to be the first book written on what topic? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Argyria

Minimally toxic to humans and known for its antibiotic properties, silver has historically been used in a variety of medical and industrial applications. However, prolonged exposure to silver can result in argyria, a permanent slate-gray or bluish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs. Though the condition is not harmful, it is irreversible and, in some cases, very noticeable. What American politician took on a bluish tint after consuming a homemade silver concoction? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Henry VII Is Crowned King of England (1485)

As a noble from the House of Lancaster, Henry fled England when the rival House of York triumphed in 1471. He later returned, rallied his supporters, and defeated Richard III in 1485. He then married Elizabeth of York and ended the Wars of the Roses between the two houses. Plots against him persisted, and two years later, Yorkists rebelled in support of Lambert Simnel, a boy they claimed was the Earl of Warwick. The rebellion was crushed by Henry’s forces. What did Henry do with young Lambert? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Kojagara

The word “Kojagara” is a combination of two terms, Kah and jagara, which means “who is awake?” This is what the goddess Lakshmi says when she descends to the earth on the night of the full moon in the month of Asvina. She blesses all those who are awake with wealth and prosperity, so the festivities go on all night. Kojagara is a harvest festival and is celebrated throughout India. There is a folk tale about a king who fell into dire financial straits. When his queen observed the fast and night vigil in honor of Lakshmi, their fortunes were reversed and prosperity returned to them. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Angelica Kauffmann (1741)

Swiss-born painter Angelica Kauffman studied art in Italy as a child. She was a protégée of Joshua Reynolds, who took her to London in 1766. Two years later, Reynolds became the first president of the Royal Academy and Kauffman one of the founding members. She became known for her decorative work and her portraits of female sitters. Returning to Italy, she flourished in artistic and literary circles. In 1775, how did a fellow member of the Royal Academy ridicule her and Reynolds in a painting? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Blushing

Described by Charles Darwin as “the most peculiar and the most human of all expressions,” blushing is the sudden, brief reddening of the face, especially due to emotions such as embarrassment or shame. The areas of the face that turn red contain a higher concentration of blood vessels near the skin’s surface than other parts of the body. When these vessels dilate, the skin appears to redden. Some people blush more than others, and some have a pathological blushing condition known as what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary