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In 1886, the US commissioned watercolor paintings of every known fruit (2019) (openculture.com)

633 points by perihelions · 1024 days ago · 150 comments on HN

Article summary

The US government commissioned 7,500 watercolor paintings of fruits between 1886 and 1942, which are now available for download in high resolution. The paintings were created to document the various types of fruits being cultivated, hybridized, and sold in the US and worldwide. The collection is a valuable resource for historians, scholars, and the general public, offering a glimpse into the past and the development of pomology, the science of growing fruit. The images are now in the public domain and can be used freely with attribution.

Main themes

  • historical preservation
  • social justice
  • exploitation
  • morality
  • collective responsibility
  • problematic historical figures
  • pomology and fruit cultivation
  • public domain and access to information

What commenters say

  • Renaming institutions and landmarks after historical figures with problematic pasts is a complex issue that requires thoughtful consideration.
  • Some argue that renaming is a form of erasing history, while others see it as a necessary step to acknowledge and condemn past wrongdoings.
  • The morality of owning and using products made under exploitative conditions is a pressing concern that requires individual and collective action.
  • The decision to rename or remove monuments and institutions named after historical figures with problematic pasts should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the context and impact of the figure's actions.
  • The importance of preserving historical artifacts and documents, even if they are problematic or offensive, is a crucial aspect of understanding and learning from the past.
  • The role of individual and collective responsibility in perpetuating or combating modern forms of exploitation and oppression is a topic of ongoing debate and discussion.
  • The tension between preserving history and promoting social justice is a delicate balance that requires careful consideration and nuanced discussion.
  • The need to acknowledge and learn from the past, rather than trying to erase or rewrite it, is a crucial aspect of creating a more just and equitable society.