The coating protected items like boots and carriage parts from wear and tear—and looked luxurious while doing so. But who invented patent leather? And does that person actually hold a patent for it?

BIG QUESTIONS
Swimming in lakes (or any wild water) has its risks. When in doubt, check local advisories and trust your senses. And if the water looks or smells off, you might have better luck sticking to land.
It’s not a coincidence that so many porch ceilings are often painted blue in the South, and the history of why is even more fascinating.
Spot a surplus of pumps in one small area? You're seeing Hotelling's Law in action.
These beloved sodas may seem similar, but they aren’t one and the same.
The salt in the ocean comes from two main sources: rocks on land and vents at the bottom of the sea.
Let’s explore the origins of America's most disrespected lettuce.
Italian ice has a sorbet-like texture, but these frozen desserts really aren’t the same thing. So, where does this summer treat really come from—and more importantly, is it even from Italy in the first place?
Inside the complicated compromise that created the District of Columbia and the City of Washington—which are kind of the same thing.
Despite what the name suggests, most modern ginger ales lack both real ginger and ale.
The answer lies in the way our brains and taste buds respond to vanilla.
All cheesecake is delicious. So why should you opt for New York-style over any other kind?
The shower creates the perfect conditions for a creative flash, coaxing out your inner genius.
The Arnold Schwarzenegger–starring Netflix series takes its title from World War II military slang. Here’s what 'fubar' means.
Dive into the history of soccer balls, including how they evolved from their earliest form, when they were made out of pig bladders, into the hexagon design we see today.
When it comes to jellyfish stings, urine is often cited as an effective remedy. But does it really work as a first-aid treatment?
On June 19, 2025, the United States will celebrate Juneteenth and the anniversary of Black emancipation. Here’s the meaning behind the holiday’s official flag.
With privatized space travel growing, it's inevitable we'll one day find ourselves faced with a space murder. How would the law deal with it?