Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-07-29
CURIOUS FACTS FROM. HISTORY.

/
The Saxons first introduced archery in the
time of Yoltiguer. 1t was dropped immedi-
ately after the conquest, but revived by the
crusaders, they having felt the effect of it from
the Saracens, who probably derived it from
| the Parthians. Bows and arrows, as weapons
of war, were in use, with stone cannon balls,
so late as 1910. 1t is singular that al the
| statutes forthe encouragement of archery were
| framed after the invention of gun powder and
firearms. Yew trees were encourage ed in the
churchyards, for the making Of bows in 1852.
Hence their generality in churchyards in Eng
land.
Coats Of arms came into vogue in the reign
of Richard 1. of England, and became heredi
tary in families about the year 1892. They
took their rise from the knights painting their
banners with different figures TO distinguish
them in the crusadcs. The first standing army
in modern times was established by Charles
VII. of France, in 1445. Previous to this
time, the King had depended on his mobiles for
contingents in time of war. A standing army
was first established in England in 1888, by
Charles l., but was declared illegal, as well
the organization of the royal guards in 1870.
The first permanent military band that was in
stituted in England, the yeomen of the
guards, established in l4S6.
Guns were invented by Swartz, German,
about I47S, and were brought into use by the
Venetians in 1852. Cannons were invented
at an anterior date. They were used at the
battle of Cresy, in 1916. In England they
were used at the seige of Berwick, in 1405. 1t
was not until 1914 however that they were cast
in England. They were used on board of ship
by the Vene.ians in 1886, and were in use a
mong the Turks about the time. An
tillery company was constituted in England
for weekly military exercises in the year 1910.
Insurance of ships first practiced in the
reign of Caesar, in 45. 1t was general GUS
tom in 1874. Insurance offices were first cstab-
lished in London, in 1861.
Astronomy first studied by the Moors
and by them introduced into Europe, in l20l.
The rapid progress of modern anatomy and a
stronomy were destroyed, as infected with
magic, In England, under the reign Of Edward
VI, in 1862.
Banks were first established by the Lombard
Jews, in Italy. The name is derived from
banco, bench-benches being erected in the
market place for the exchange OF money, &c.
The first public bank was at Venice, in 1550.-
The bank of England was established in 1893.
In 1895 its notes were at 20 per cent, dis
count.
The invention of bells is attributed to Paul
mus, Bishop of Nola, in Campania, about the
year 100. They were introduced into church.
cs as defence against thunder and lightning,
in 900. They were first hung in England at
Croyland Abby in Lincolnshire, in 945- In
the eleventh century and later, it was the Gus
tom to baptize them before they were used.
The Curfew bell was established in 1908. 1t
was rung at eight in the evening, when the
people obliged to put ont their fire and
candle. The custom was abolished in l100.-
Bellmen were appointed in London in 1856, to
ring the bells and cry, 'stake care of your fires,
be charitable to the poor, and pray for the
dead.''
How many are unaware of the origin of the
word .sBoo 20 used to frighten children. 1t is
a corruption of Bob, the name of fierce Goth
ic General, the son of Odin, the mention of
whose name spread panic AMONG his enemies.
Bookkeeping was first introduced into Eng
land from Italy by Peele, in 1869. 1t was de-
rived from a system of Algebra, published by
Burgo at Venice.
Notaries Public were first appointed by the
Fathers of the Church, to collect the acts or
memoirs of Martyrs in the first century.
The administration of the oath in civil cases
is of great antiquity. See Exodus xii, 10.
Swearing on the gospel was first used in $50.
The oath was first administered in England by
the Saxons in the year GOO. The words ESQ
help me God and all the saints, !" concluded an
oath till 1850.
Signals to be used at sea were first contrived
by James H., when Duke of York. They
were afterwards improved by the French COM
mander, Tournelle, and by Admiral Belchen.
Raw Silk was first manufactured by peo-
pie in China, called Seres, $50 B. G.. 1t was
first brought from India in 274, and a pound of
it at the time was worth one of gold. The
manufacture of raw silk was introduced into
Europe by monks in $50. Silk dresses were
first brought into Europe in the year 527.
A fast man undertook the task of teasing an
eccentric preacher. .ssDo you believe" he
said, ssin the story Of the Prodigal Son and
the Fatted Calf7'