1. Bloodletting For centuries, doctors believed the body’s health depended on balancing its “humors,” and if you were sick, the solution was often to drain blood. Patients might have a vein opened with a blade or be fitted with leeches, […]

1. Potato Soup During the Great Depression, potato soup was a lifesaver for many families. Potatoes were cheap, filling, and easy to find, making them a go-to for stretching a small budget. People would simmer them with water or milk

1. Salt Pork Salt pork was a staple for sailors, soldiers, and rural families, but it wasn’t exactly a treat. It was essentially fatty pork belly packed in barrels of salt until it turned tough and briny, with a texture

1. McDonald’s Arch Deluxe In the mid-’90s, McDonald’s decided to branch out from its kid-friendly image with a burger aimed squarely at adults. The Arch Deluxe was marketed as a “sophisticated” option, complete with fancy mustard sauce and glossy ads

1. Knocking on Wood The idea of tapping on wood for good luck comes from ancient pagan cultures, especially the Celts, who believed that spirits and gods lived in trees. Knocking was thought to call on these protective beings for

1. The Shrimp Treadmill Study Scientists at a U.S. university actually got government funding to see how shrimp handle exercise. Yes, someone hooked a tiny treadmill up in a tank and coaxed shrimp to “walk” on it to measure their

1. Lead-Based Paint In the ’50s, lead-based paint was the standard choice for everything from kitchen cabinets to nursery walls. It was praised for its durability, smooth coverage, and bright colors that stayed vibrant for years. Parents would paint cribs,