The Mystery of the 19th-Century Maine Marine Monster
Before cameras and submersibles were commonplace, scientists had to rely on fishermen for intel on ocean creatures.
Feb 6, 2017 | 550 words, about 2 minutes
Column: Observations
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How to Fund an Expedition
Charles Francis Hall had the courage to explore the Arctic—and the savvy to get the wealthy to pay for it.
Jan 31, 2017 | 1,100 words, about 6 minutes
In South Africa, Colonialism Was Written on Stone
An ocher painting of a ship from the early 18th century serves as a visual reminder of the clash between indigenous peoples and settlers.
Dec 12, 2016 | 650 words, about 3 minutes
The Japanese Art of Sharing News
A mélange of art, news, and propaganda, woodblock prints spread the word on everything from tsunamis to the latest fashion.
Oct 24, 2016 | 900 words, about 4 minutes
Attack of the Cartographic Land Octopus
Far from just a way to avoid getting lost, maps have also been used as a means of persuasion.
Sep 16, 2016 | 550 words, about 2 minutes
For the Information of Others
Consummate naturalist Ian McTaggart Cowan spent a lifetime documenting the biodiversity of British Columbia in detailed nature journals.
Jan 15, 2016 | 650 words, about 3 minutes
Consistently Lovely: the Exceptional Field Notes of Martin H. Moynihan
From gulls to squids to monkeys, a Panama-based biologist melds art and science in his highly detailed field books.
Oct 23, 2015 | 650 words, about 3 minutes
Drawing Connections
A traveling journal celebrates the art and science of shorebird conservation.
Oct 2, 2015 | 450 words, about 2 minutes