The study of old handwriting.
Palaeography
Fact of the Day
In France around the year 1000, a pale complexion, squeamishness and vegetarianism were all signs of heresy.
Quote of the Day
"Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.
"
~ Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice)
On This Day
43 BCE The assassination of Cicero, requested by Marc Antony. When his head was delivered to Anthony, his wife, Fulvia, spat on it and jabbed hairpins into his tongue.
1732 The Theatre Royal, now known as the Covent Garden Opera House, opened with a performance of the Beggar's Opera.
1787 Delaware became the first state of the modern United States.
1817 Rear-Admiral William Bligh died. He had been captain of HMS Bounty during the mutiny.
1941 The Japanese launched a surprise attack on the American naval base a Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, killing 2,403.
1982 Charles Brooks Jr became the first person to be executed by lethal injection, with a huge dose of 'truth serum'