The Early History of Human Excreta
When humans stopped being nomadic, we could no longer walk away from our waste. We’ve been battling it ever since.
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
A collection of our recent stories in celebration of American Indian Heritage Month.
How Veterans Created PTSD
Now a cultural staple, PTSD is a newer diagnosis. How have conceptions of trauma morphed and what does it mean for US institutions and society?
Dogs in the Trenches of World War I
While the history of pigeons and horses in the military is widely known, canines have gotten less attention.
The “Dating Apps” of Victorian England
They didn't have smartphones back then, but they still had personal ads.
A Short History of the Public Restroom
How come it's so hard to go in sweet privacy when you're out and about?
Machiavelli, Prince of…Democracy?
The other side of the Renaissance man, known today for promoting autocratic power.
The Evolution of the Mad Scientist
The crazed caricature of genius was largely inspired by now-debunked late-Victorian ideas about how species change.
The History of the Power Suit for Women
As women entered the white-collar world, experts told them to dress like men, without being too threatening.
Why Vote? Lessons from Indian Villages
The voters one scholar studied didn't necessarily think they would benefit materially from being on the winning side. But turnout was over 90 percent.