Articles written by Isaac M. McPhee

What is a Limit?: An Essential Tool in Calculus

Thousands of years prior to the invention of the mechanical and electronic calculator, mathematicians all over the world made use of abaci - a surprisingly helpful tool. more...

Jul 16, 2008

The Comeback of Richard Nixon: From Historical Footnote to Presidential Candidate

One of the first things that a student of calculus must learn upon delving into this intimidating mathematical subject, is how to find the limit of an equation. more...

Jul 7, 2008

Lyndon Johnson's Presidency: LBJ's Plan for a Great Society in America

Richard Milhous Nixon, an impressive politician from California, left the Vice Presidency in 1960 in hopes of attaining the White House for himself. more...

Jun 23, 2008

Taking over the Presidential reins after the tragic assassination of Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson attempted to continue Kennedy's policies, while adding in many of his own. more...

The Kennedy Presidency: The Short but Memorable Presidency of JFK

John F. Kennedy's Presidency lasted just under three years, but in this time he was able to achieve several victories, both foreign and domestic. more...

The Eisenhower Presidency: The Two Terms of the First Cold War President

Newly elected President Dwight David Eisenhower found himself facing a continuing war in Korea and the beginnings of what would become the Cold War. more...

Harry Truman's Second Term: The Declining Poll Numbers of the Korean War President

Harry Truman, despite his current status as one of America's greatest Presidents, found his second term dogged by the lowest Presidential poll numbers ever recorded. more...

The Rise of Harry S Truman: A Missouri Farmer's Entry into Politics

The Rise of Franklin Roosevelt: FDR's Priviledged Road to the White House

Harry Truman's rise to political power, first in Missouri and then nationally, was certainly unlikely. Despite the uphill battle, this man fought his way to success. more...

Jun 12, 2008

Hoover's Road to the White House: A Mining Engineer Becomes Successful Commerce Secretary

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, America's 32nd President, was born to a life of luxury and success in New York, which was aided by his personal charisma and intelligence. more...

Jun 2, 2008

The Presidency of Calvin Coolidge: An Attempt to Restore Confidence to the Struggling Office

Herbert Hoover's first foray into politics came when President Harding named him Commerce Secretary in 1920. It was from here that the road to the White House was paved. more...

Jun 2, 2008

The Warren G. Harding Presidency: The Rise and Fall of a Controversial President

After the sudden death of Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge became the unlikely 30th President of the United States, attempting to bring a nation back together. more...

Jun 2, 2008

Euler's Mathematical Contributions: The Work of One of the Greatest Minds in Mathematical History

Warren G. Harding is generally remembered in a negative light, as one of the least effective Presidents in American History... but was he really so awful? more...

Jun 1, 2008

Review of Smoot's Ear: Robert Tavernor Explores the History of Measurement

Leonard Euler was surely the most prolific and important mathematician of the eighteenth century, and perhaps of all time, with accomplishments far too numerous to count. more...

May 25, 2008

Category: History Books

In the 2007 book "Smoot's Ear: The Measure of Humanity," Robert Tavernor takes an interesting and novel approach to understanding how mankind measures things. more...

May 25, 2008

President Wilson's First Term: He Kept us Out of the War and Defined America's Economic Policies

William Taft on the Supreme Court: A Former President's Lifelong Dream Comes True

The first half of Woodrow Wilson's 8 years in office focused on Domestic policies such as the tariff, the money issue, and antitrust legislation, along with keeping Ameri more...

May 19, 2008

The Rise of William Howard Taft: A Young Man with High Judicial Asperations

When President Harding appointed William Howard Taft to the Supreme Court in 1920, he helped him to fulfill a lifelong dream. more...

May 19, 2008

The Five Platonic Solids: A Universe Ruled by Geometry

From the earliest times of his career in law, William Howard Taft dreamed of being on the Supreme Court, and his life in public service served served to get him there. more...

May 16, 2008

The Presidency of Teddy Roosevelt: The Youngest President Becomes One of the Greats

Demonstrating the often-overlapping sciences of mathematics, philosophy, physics, and theology, the platonic solids have historically been seen as fundamentally important more...

May 16, 2008

The Presidency of William McKinley: The Idol of Ohio and Five Successful Years in Office

Earning himself a place on Mt. Rushmore was not easy, but Theodore Roosevelt worked hard at the Presidency, focusing on getting things done and on initiating reform. more...

May 16, 2008

President Benjamin Harrison: The Single Term of America's Last Bearded President

Before his assassination in 1901, William McKinley found a good deal of success in the office of the President, being the first incumbent since Ulysses S. Grant to win re more...

May 12, 2008

Grover Cleveland's Second Term: Return to Office after a Four Year Retirement

Benjamin Harrison's four years in the office of President has been largely forgotten in the century since. His legacy is mixed, despite a strong legislative agenda. more...

May 8, 2008

The Rise of Grover Cleveland: From Lawyer, to Mayor, to Governor, to President in Three Years

Finally defeating Benjamin Harrison on his second attempt, Grover Cleveland returned to the White House, but times had changed. more...

May 8, 2008

The Politics of Chester A. Arthur: A Stalwart Defender of the Spoils System in Government

Grover Cleveland's path to the White House did not truly begin until elected Mayor of Buffalo, New York in 1881. Three years later, he would be President. more...

May 7, 2008

The Politics of James A. Garfield: From Preacher, to Teacher, to General, to President

Chester A. Arthur, soon to be 21st President of the United States, was a loyal member of the stalwart faction of Republican Politics throughout his rise to the Vice-Presi more...

May 7, 2008

The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidency: The Dark Horse Republican Who Ended Reconstruction

James A. Garfield worked very hard throughout his life, succeeding at many things, including his education, his military career, and, of course, politics. more...

May 5, 2008

The Rise of Rutherford B. Hayes: The Ohio Lawyer and War Hero Who Would be President

Rutherford B. Hayes is not among the most well-known Presidents of the United States. He played an important role in determining the shape of the union after the war. more...

May 5, 2008

The Human Stomach: The Principle Organ of the Digestive System

Rutherford B. Hayes achieved the Presidency in part because his early life offered very little in the way of scandal. He was a capable lawyer and a wartime hero. more...

May 4, 2008

Category: Digestive System

The stomach is a marvelous piece of biological engineering - exactly what is needed by the body to break down food with powerful acids while protecting the body. more...

May 1, 2008

The Many Purposes of Saliva: The Science and Physiology of Drool

Category: Digestive System

Saliva serves many purposes within the mouth, such as a digestive aid and acid neutralization, both of which are vital to the human physiology. more...

May 1, 2008

The Politics of Ulysses S. Grant: A Successful General Becomes an Unsuccessful President

The Science of Hiccups: The Attempt to Find an Explanation for Singultus

There has been much debate over the legacy of President Grant over the years, with some naming him among the worst, while others finding things to admire. more...

Apr 30, 2008

Category: Anatomy & Physiology (general)

Science is still unsure exactly what causes hiccups as well as how to cure them. So what exactly have they learned in their studies? more...

Apr 30, 2008

The Rise of Andrew Johnson: The Growth of Abraham Lincoln's Embattled Successor

The Rise of Abraham Lincoln: America's Sixteenth President Arrives in Washington

Andrew Johnson, who took over the Presidency after Lincoln's assassination, was born in poverty, but worked his way up quickly up the political ladder. more...

Apr 28, 2008

Free Radicals and Aging: A Scientific Investigation of Senescence

Beginning in 1847, Abraham Lincoln entered national politics, and quickly made a name for himself for his personal convictions and blunt honesty. more...

Apr 27, 2008

Category: Microbiology (general)

Science has many theories regarding why people get older and eventually die, though it is surprising to learn how much mystery remains in this exploration. more...

Apr 27, 2008

The Rise of Allergies: The Increase of Hypersensitivity Despite Modern Medicine

Category: Immunology

Studies have shown that even as time passes and medical technology advances, cases of allergies continue to rise. What is the cause of this? more...

Apr 27, 2008

The Rise of James Buchanan: The Making of the President Who Instigated the Civil War

Breakthroughs in Musical Geometry: The Visualization and Future of Musical Science

The quick growth and early success of James Buchanan played an infamous role in the growth of the United States during the first half of the nineteenth century. more...

Apr 24, 2008

The Politics of Millard Fillmore: The Last of the Whig Presidents in America

Researchers in American Universities have been developing precise mathematical formulations used to describe what is currently known about music, and to further human kno more...

Apr 23, 2008

The Politics of James K. Polk: One of the Most Successful Presidents in American History

Millard Filmore, 13th President of the United States, is one of the most overlooked characters in American history - but is this oversight jusified? more...

Apr 23, 2008

The Presidency of John Tyler: The President Who Helped Destroy the Whigs

James K. Polk entered the office of the President as heir apparent to Andrew Jackson's Democratic party after the miserable failure of the Whigs under William Henry Harri more...

Apr 18, 2008

The Curse of Tecumseh: The Deadly Legacy Left by William Henry Harrison

John Tyler, though elected Vice President as a Whig candidate, did much after ascending to the highest office, to destroy the Whig agenda in Washington. more...

Apr 17, 2008

The Panic of 1837: The Onset of America's First Depression

Before his death, American legend says that Indian Chief Tecumseh issued a curse upon the American Presidency - that every twenty years a President would die in office. more...

Apr 17, 2008

The Presidency of Andrew Jackson: The Democratic Politics of Old Hickory

There are many factors which contributed to the financial panic which took place during the Presidency of Martin Van Buren, all of which led to an economic depression. more...

Apr 17, 2008

The Science of Quicksand: Unraveling a Dangerous and Dirty Mystery

Andrew Jackson was a polarizing figure in the history of American politics. He was a strong and capable leader with a violent tempor and a very clear vision of America, more...

Apr 16, 2008

Category: Geology/Ecology (general)

It's often seen in adventure movies and written about in books, but what is quicksand, really? more...

Apr 16, 2008

The Purpose of Calculus: The History and Intent of a New Mathematics

Category: Math

Created nearly simultaneously by two mathematical geniuses, calculus to many is little more than a pointless numerical exercise. It's uses, though, are vast in number. more...

Apr 14, 2008

Formulating Euler's Identity: An Exploration of One of History's Greatest Equations

John Quincy Adams' Early Years: The Political Shaping of America's Sixth President

The equation which has become known as "Euler's Identity" has been rated by mathematicians and laymen alike to be one of the most beautiful expressions in the history of more...

Apr 14, 2008

Fermat's Last Theorem: Solving One of the Most Perplexing Problems in Math History

John Quincy Adams, elected President in 1824 as a Democratic-Republican, was a member, during his long political career, of no less than five political parties. more...

Apr 12, 2008

Category: Math

Until it was finally solved in 1993, Fermat's final theorem - an extension of the Pythagorean theorem - befuddled mathematicians for more than four centuries. more...

Apr 12, 2008

The Politics of James Monroe: Ideological Leanings During the "Era of Good Feelings"

The Mobius Strip: Topology of a Mathematical Paradox

Apart from George Washington, James Monroe is the closest America has ever come to having a unanimously elected president, leading the country during peaceful times. more...

Apr 12, 2008

The Politics of Thomas Jefferson: The Ideology of America's Third President

Making the mathematical wonder known as a Mobius strip is surprisingly easy, though understanding it on a mathematical level adds a whole new complexity. more...

Apr 9, 2008

The Early Politics of John Adams: America's First Politician-President

America's third president was a follower of the European philosophy of enlightenment, and a staunch believer in states rights. more...

Apr 8, 2008

The Twin Paradox: One of Special Relativity's Most Important Thought Experiments

John Adams, member of the Federalist party, was a true American patriot, though once in office the politics of his party kept him from a second term. more...

Apr 8, 2008

Category: Physics (general)

In Special Relativity, will a moving person age slower than a stationary one? This is a question which has been tossed around for years, with very interesting results. more...

Apr 3, 2008

The Pyramid of Giza: The Only Remaining Ancient Wonder

The Massive Colossus of Rhodes: A Welcoming Giant and Wonder of the Ancient World

The Great Pyramid of Giza remains to this day both intact and in surprisingly good shape. The reason for this, clearly, is its intrinsic structural stability. more...

Apr 3, 2008

What is a Black Hole?: The Origin and Present Perspective on these Cosmic Wonders

The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek god Helios which stood beside the harbor at Rhodes, welcoming locals and travelers alike. more...

Apr 3, 2008

Category: Physics (general)

The phenomena known as black holes are some of the most studied elements of the universe, yet they still retain a fascinating amount of mystery. more...

Apr 1, 2008

Numerological Taxonomy: The Modern Classification of Numbers

Category: Math

Mathematicians have many clever ways of dividing various numbers in to different categories, or "sets." Some may be familiar to most, while others are surely not. more...

Mar 31, 2008

Ancient Babylonian Mathematics: An Impressive Early Form of Number Usage

The Temple of Zeus at Olympia: An Ancient Wonder and Forerunner to Modern Architecture

The mathematicians of ancient Babylonia were surprisingly sophisticated for their time, coming up with some very clever forms of mathematics. more...

Mar 29, 2008

Hanging Gardens of Babylon: The Most Questionable Wonder of the Ancient World

The Temple of Zeus at Olympia was one of the well known wonders of the ancient world, and has become the basis for modern structures such as the Lincoln Memorial. more...

Mar 27, 2008

Combining Fractals and Chaos: The Intersection of Two Forms of Modern Mathematics

The hanging gardens of Babylon is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, but there are actually questions as to whether or not it even existed. more...

Mar 27, 2008

Category: Chaos Theory

Fractal geometry and chaos theory are two very interconnected forms of mathematics. It is difficult to fully understand one without also knowing the other. more...

Mar 26, 2008

Degrees of Infinity: The Inequality of Endless Sets

Euclid's Fifth Axiom: The Infamous Parallel Postulate and Its Legacy

Mathematical set theory has led to some interesting conclusions over the years. One of the most interesting is the idea that not all infinities are equal. more...

Mar 24, 2008

Category: Math

Very few seemingly incontrovertible mathematical statements throughout history have wreaked quite as much havoc as Euclid's controversial fifth axiom. more...

Mar 24, 2008

Metamorphic Rock: Nature's Ever-Changing Mineral Formations

Category: Minerals

Metamorphic rocks are those which change type over time and under certain conditions. They are proof that rock may not be as stable and permanent as it seems. more...

Mar 22, 2008

Euclid's Fourth Axiom: The Postulate Stating the Congruence of Right Angles

Category: Math

Euclid's fourth axiom, like all the others, is clearly a very simple assertion. It is how Euclid ingeniously utilizes these axioms, however, that holds importance. more...

Mar 21, 2008

Euclid's Third Axiom: An Ingenious, Fundamental Definition of a Circle

Category: Math

Euclid's third axiom describes how a simple circle, one of the most important figures in geometry, can be constructed using only a point and a line. more...

Mar 20, 2008

The Venerable Bede: The Life and Works of the Father of English History

Category: British Dark & Middle Ages

Bede was a crucial figure in the world of historical scholarship, being one of the first true historians, and writing the first great work of English history. more...

Mar 20, 2008

Euclid's Second Axiom: A Subtle Definition of the Infinite Nature of Straight Lines

Category: Math

On the second of five axioms upon which was built the foundations of geometry, Euclid further explores the nature of straight lines. more...

Mar 19, 2008

The First Breakfast Cereal: Dr. Kellog and the Invention of Cornflakes

The Embargo Act of 1807: Thomas Jefferson’s Failed Foreign Relations Policy

Corn Flakes, the first ever breakfast cereal, were discovered by way of a fortunate accident. But it is the story behind this accident which is especially interesting. more...

Mar 17, 2008

The Photoelectric Effect is Solved: Einstein's Revolutionary Solution to Incorporate Planck’s Constant

While the intentions of the act may have been noble, in reality, the embargo act of 1807 meant to hurt the British and the French ended in failure. more...

Mar 16, 2008

Max Planck and Light Quanta: The Solution to the Problem of Black-Body Radiation

As part of his "Miracle Year" in 1905, Albert Einstein gave the new "quantum" ideas a jump start with his solution to a nineteenth century problem. more...

Mar 15, 2008

Category: Quantum Physics

In 1900, Max Planck announced a solution to the black-body problem, and in doing so set physics on a revolutionary new path altogether. more...

Mar 14, 2008

The Photoelectric Effect: Phillip Lenard’s Experiment with Light and Electrons

Category: Quantum Physics

Toward the beginning of the twentieth century, the problems were beginning to mount for classical physics, paving the way for the new science of quantum mechanics. more...

Mar 14, 2008

What is Chaos Theory?: Principles of Comprehending the Chaotic Natural World

Category: Chaos Theory

The search to understanding chaos is the search to be able to apply a precise mathematical definition to systems which seem on the surface to be undefinable. more...

Mar 13, 2008

The False Dmitri's of Russia: The Sons of Ivan the Terrible and the Fight for Succession

Category: Polish & Baltic History

Around the turn of the seventeenth century, during Russia's "Time of Troubles," several men arose pretending to be the slain heir to the Russian throne, Dmitri Ivanovich. more...

Mar 12, 2008

America's Independence Day: The Arbitrary, yet Symbolic, Nature of the Fourth of July

Music and Mathematics: The Relationship between the Worlds of Harmony and of Numbers

American's have celebrated the signing of the Declaration of Independence ever since it was first signed in 1776 - but why exactly was this day chosen above the others? more...

Mar 11, 2008

Category: Math

Mathematicians have been exploring the mysteries of music for centuries. The questions being asked are those which seek to better understand the perception of beauty. more...

Mar 10, 2008

Death by Black Hole: A Mesmerizing Look at Astrophysics by Neil DeGrasse Tyson

Category: Science/Tech Books (general)

Neil DeGrasse Tyson's new book explores the frontiers of modern astrophysics and explains how modern research is answering some of the universe's greatest questions. more...

Mar 9, 2008

The Unique Life of Jeffrey Hudson: A Man who Found Success Despite the Incredible Odds Against Him

Category: UK/Irish History (general)

Jeffrey Hudson was a little man who found himself thrust into the spotlight in Queen Henrietta's court in the 17th century. From there, his life got truly interesting. more...

Mar 8, 2008

Bose-Einstein Statistics: The Indian Contribution to Quantum Mechanics

For a Successful Paint Project: A Few Tips Regarding What to Know Before Heading to the Paint Store

Satyendra Bose and Albert Einstein published a paper in 1924 which to this day helps to explain the difference between various types of subatomic particles. more...

Mar 7, 2008

Category: Home Interiors

For do-it-yourselfers, it is important (to save both time and money) to have a good idea of what the paint project entails before heading to the paint store for supplies. more...

Mar 7, 2008

Court Jesters in Western Europe: The Surprising Accuracy of the Modern Perception of these Comedians

Category: W European History (general)

Though many modern perceptions of historical events tend to get shrouded or distorted with the passing of time, the person of the jester has remained surprisingly intact. more...

Mar 6, 2008

Linear and Circular Accelerators: The Modern World of Particle Acceleration and Discovery

Category: Particle Physics

Particle Accelerators form an enormous part of physical discovery, and as such, they are constantly getting bigger, better, and (much) more expensive. more...

Mar 5, 2008

Plastic Pipes Used in Plumbing: A Brief Overview of a Wide Variety of Pipes and Tubes

Category: Home Plumbing

Before a homeowner attempts to do any home plumbing, it is important that they know exactly which type of pipes or tubes to use, as they all serve different purposes. more...

Mar 5, 2008

The 1814 Pemmican War: How a Traditional Native American Food Started a War

Category: Colonial America

There have been some strange war instigators over the course of human history. In North America, for example, a small war was fought over a food called Pemmican. more...

Mar 4, 2008

Glossy or Matte Paint Sheen?: A Guide to Undrstanding Which Paint Finish Serves Which Purpose

Category: Home Reno & Repair (general)

Every paint manufacturer seems to have their own "palette" of paint sheens. There are consistent principles, however, that can help one know which sheen to choose. more...

Mar 3, 2008

General George Pickett: The Story of the Man Behind the Famed "Pickett's Charge"

Category: US Civil War

Civil War General George Pickett lived an interesting life which took him from West Point, to a near-war with the British in Washington, to a famous Civil War battle. more...

Mar 3, 2008

The Pre-Washington U.S. Presidency: Presidents of the United States in Congress Assembled

Category: Colonial America

There were fourteen men who some may consider to have been America's first Presidents, even before the time of George Washington and the Constitution. more...

Mar 2, 2008

A Few Rules for Plumbing Repair: Tips for Finding the Right Part or Accessory for Any Project

Category: Home Plumbing

Avoiding common mistakes when trying to find the right plumbing tool or part can save time, money and unneeded stress. Following these simple rules will certainly help. more...

Mar 2, 2008

Paul Dirac and the Positron: A Triumph of Mathematics in the First Anti-Particle

Category: Particle Physics

In the late 1920's Paul Dirac it was discovered that "normal" electrons might not be the only ones to exist. There might be an "opposite" particle as well. more...

Mar 1, 2008

The Quantum Totalitarian Principle: Discovering New Physical Laws Using Bizarre Quantum Properties

Category: Particle Physics

The Totalitarian Principle declares that anything which is not forbidden by any specific rule of physics, is required by law to occur, with no exceptions. more...

Mar 1, 2008

Fix the Inner Workings of a Toilet: Common Toilet Parts, Problems and Repairs

Category: Home Plumbing

The workings of common toilets are actually relatively simple, and knowledge of these things can make simple repairs a snap, even for the beginning DIYer. more...

Feb 29, 2008

Beta Decay and the Weak Force: The Development of an Entirely New Physical Force

The Beginnings of Nuclear Physics: Bequerel, The Curies, Rutherford and Radioactivity

In order for physicists to understand the reasons for beta decay, a new nuclear force had to be developed - a task accomplished by Enrico Fermi in 1934. more...

Feb 28, 2008

Quintilian: Roman Orator: A Look at Rome During the First Century

In the final decades of the nineteenth and first few decades of the twentieth centuries, physicists would begin to unlock the mysteries of radioactivity. more...

Feb 27, 2008

Category: Roman History

The life of Marcus Fabius Qintilianus followed closely with the interesting events during the second half of the first century, a troubled time for the Roman Empire. more...

Feb 26, 2008

The Karman Line: Theodore Von Karman and the Separation of Earth and Space

Category: Astronomy & Space (general)

Theodore Von Karman was responsible for many important achievements in Aeronautics, including the boundary between Earth and Space. more...

Feb 25, 2008

From a Flat to a Round Earth: The History behind the Determination of the Shape of the Planet

Julius Caesar Crosses the Rubicon: A Defining Moment in Western Civilization

The true shape of the Earth has been known far longer than most people realize. The idea of the Earth being round dates back to ancient Greece. more...

Feb 24, 2008

Category: Roman History

While it may seem to be a trivial geographical barrier, when Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon with his army in A.D. 49, he effectively changed the course of history. more...

Feb 23, 2008

The Languages of Ancient Egypt: From Hieroglyphics to Coptic - A Philological Examination

Category: Language Study (general)

The Egyptian language is beautifully demonstrative of how a language can change over time through a natural, philological progression. more...

Feb 23, 2008

Various Forms of Theft: Elucidating the Subtle Legal Definitions

Category: Law

There are many different forms of theft, the various nuanced differences are not generally understood. A brief overview should clear up the issue. more...

Feb 22, 2008

The Golden Ratio: A Mathematical Definition of Beauty

Category: Math

For thousands of years, the fact that aesthetic beauty could be determined by mathematical relationships baffled mathematicians, yet the truth of it is hard to deny. more...

Feb 21, 2008

John Dalton and Atomic Theory: A 19th Century Chemist Reinvigorates the Atom

Ancient Theories of Atoms: The Study of the Smallest Things in the Ancient World

After having sat dormant for more than two thousand years, atomic theory was finally brought into the modern age with the work of John Dalton. more...

Feb 20, 2008

The Paradoxes of Zeno of Elea: A Philosophical Examination of the Infinite

Atoms, of course, have existed since the beginning of time. Man's study of them, however, did not begin until considerably after that. more...

Feb 20, 2008

Category: Philosophy (general)

Zeno of Elea may have been an iconoclast, but he posed several interesting problems that would baffle thinkers for generations to come. more...

Feb 18, 2008

The Seven Wise Men of Greece: Important Wisdom in a Time of Necessity

Category: Greek History

Seven Wise Men (or "sages") helped Greece to rise up out of one of the darkest periods of its history. They helped the Greeks learn how to think. more...

Feb 17, 2008

The Pythagorian School: Foundations of the Philosophy of Mathematics

Category: Math

While the Greek mathematician Pythagoras may have been brilliant, he also possessed certain interesting "eccentricities," in keeping with the times. more...

Feb 16, 2008

Athenian Democracy: The Greek Origins of Rule by the People

Category: Greek History

It is a well-established historical fact that Democracy began with the Greeks; but how similar was this system to those in the modern world? more...

Feb 15, 2008

Kant's Categorical Imperative: The Key to Telling Right from Wrong

Category: Philosophy (general)

The question of choosing one's moral path in life is never an easy one. Within the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, however, is one method of doing just that. more...

Feb 14, 2008

The American Know-Nothings: The Nation's Most Popular Nativist Party

The Politics of Anarchy: The History, Beliefs, and Philosophy of Anarchists

In the middle of the 19th century, a new party began to rise up through the ranks of American Politics. The Know-Nothings were anti Catholic and anti Immigration. more...

Feb 13, 2008

Category: Political Philosophy

Throughout history there have been those who have been fundamentally opposed to all government and rule of law. Today these people are called anarchists. more...

Feb 11, 2008

The Right of Habeas Corpus: A Truly Fundamental Human Right

Category: Law

In the post-9/11 world, there has been much talk about suspended freedoms and loss of civil liberties, and the "abolishment" of habeas corpus. But what does this mean? more...

Feb 10, 2008

Senator David Rice Atchison: The Real Twelfth President of the United States

Carpetbaggers and Reconstruction: American Opportunism in the Post-Civil War Years

David Rice Atchison was President of the United States for a single day, between the terms of James Polk and Zachary Taylor. America's most honest president. more...

Feb 8, 2008

Category: US Civil War

"Carpetbaggers" were the controversial northerners who moved to the south for political and business opportunities during the reconstruction period. more...

Feb 7, 2008

Great Britain's "Project Habakkuk": One of the More Unusual Ideas to Come Out Of World War II

Category: WW II History

During the height of World War II, Winston Churchill authorized research concerning the construction of a new type of ship for his navy - an aircraft carrier made of ice. more...

Feb 6, 2008

The Short Life of the Pony Express: America's Quickest Trans-Continental Mail Service

The Court of Star Chamber: England's Ill-Defined, yet All-Purpose Court

America's famed pre-railroad mails service, the Pony Express, was a convincing demonstration of just how efficiently a delivery service could operate. more...

Feb 4, 2008

Category: UK/Irish History (general)

For almost a century and a half the Court of Star Chamber ruled over all-classes of England, though both its purpose and operation were never fully clear. more...

Feb 3, 2008

Taphephobia: The Fear of Being Buried Alive

Category: Psychology (general)

Taphephobia, or the fear of premature burial, has probably been around for as long as humans themselves, though how it is dealt with has changed over the years. more...

Feb 3, 2008

The History of Anesthesia: The Long Struggle to Create Pain-Killers

Category: General Medicine (general)

While human beings have been aware of certain methods of "dulling pain" for nearly two thousand years, only recently was this science mastered. more...

Feb 2, 2008

The Math of General Relativity: Albert Einstein's Trouble with Tensor Calculus

Category: Math

While the world rightly perceives Albert Einstein as having been a brilliant physicist, the mathematics of General Relativity were so difficult as to be beyond even him. more...

Feb 2, 2008

The Steam-Powered Fire Engine: Cincinnati's Noble Contribution to Fire-Fighting History