The force or energy with which a body moves; or something that makes a process or activity happen or happen more quickly.
Impetus
Fact of the Day
Bishop Meinward of Paderborn was apparently in the habit of having women dragged on their bottoms across his garden to clear it of weeds.
Quote of the Day
"There will be opened a gateway and a road to a large and excellent science ... into which minds more piercing than mine shall penetrate to recesses still deeper.
"
~ Galileo
On This Day
1914 The Panama Canal opened to commercial traffic.
1941 Josef Jakobs, a Luxembourg-born German spy, became the last person to be executed at the Tower of London, by firing squad.
1945 The Japanese announced their intention to surrender unconditionally in the Second World War. It came into effect on 2 September 1945.
1947 India gained independence from the British Empire.
1969 The first Woodstock Music and Art Fair opened in upstate New York.