The Conestoga wagon is a type of covered freight wagon that was used extensively during the late 18th century and early 19th century to transport heavy loads over rough roads. The term Conestoga is sometimes used interchangeably with “covered wagon,” but the name only refers to the specific type of broad-wheeled wagon first manufactured in… Continue reading
This skull belongs to a mallard, an omnivorous duck which eats both water plants and small animals. Like other species of birds, ducks do not have any actual teeth, but many species have rows of thin bristles in their mouths. If you look closely, you can see the bristles along the edge of the bill… Continue reading
Did you know that the Foton Super Camera could shoot up to six frames per second? This is quite fast for a 35mm camera, even by today’s standards. Bell & Howell’s effort to produce the best 35mm camera yielded this quality piece of workmanship and dependability. Unfortunately, the price tag of $700 right after World… Continue reading
The scientific name “megalodon” means “big tooth,” which perfectly describes this extinct species of shark. Not only was megalodon the biggest shark in the world, but it was one of the largest fish to ever exist! Its massive teeth are almost three times larger than the teeth of a modern great white shark. Megalodons swam… Continue reading
This intricately detailed elephant sculpture made of ivory features symbols significant in ancient Chinese culture. The crane is a symbol of noble character and represents longevity, long-lasting love and loyalty in marriage. The lotus flower on top symbolizes the heart and mind’s ultimate purity, and is used for religious purposes, in marriage symbolism and food… Continue reading
One of the largest scorpions in the world, the Giant Emperor Scorpion is native to the rainforests and savannas of West Africa. Surprisingly, they have an almost harmless sting nonlethal to humans, and are known for their docile behavior. As a result, they have become a popular scorpion in the pet trade, which has led… Continue reading
Three days before Apollo 11 launched into history, the Chicago Sunday Sun-Times released this special newspaper. With an illustration of astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the surface of the Moon, the story detailed parts of the mission. Unfortunately, the writer incorrectly stated that Armstrong would step foot on the Moon in the early… Continue reading
Smithsonite is a mineral ore of zinc which typically forms as a globular mass instead of as crystals. This particular specimen has a bluish-green appearance due to copper impurities. The mineral smithsonite was named in honor of English chemist and mineralogist James Smithson, the founder of the Smithsonian Institution, who first identified the mineral in… Continue reading
This solid brass lamp is called the “Neverout Insulated Kerosene Safety Lamp.” Patented by Rose Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, it was made for a horse or horseless carriage, bicycle, or early automobile. It has a large clear magnifying front lens and two jeweled ruby red lenses that could be seen from behind and from the… Continue reading
The common ostrich is one of two living species of ostrich, the large flightless birds of Africa. Although they cannot fly, these birds were meant to run. They can sprint up to 43 miles per hour, and their thick, powerful legs can cover large distances with ease. At just one-month old, ostrich chicks are able… Continue reading
