History of the Day: 10/18

In 1648, Boston Shoemakers formed the first labor union in the US. This is fortuitous, as they were uniquely suited for a walkout. Moby Dick was published on this day in 1851. There is an interesting discussion on the color white in the book:

Is it that by its indefiniteness it shadows forth the heartless voids and immensities of the universe, and thus stabs us from behind with the thought of annihilation, when beholding the white depths of the milky way? Or is it, that as in essence whiteness is not so much a color as the visible absence of color; and at the same time the concrete of all colors; is it for these reasons that there is such a dumb blankness, full of meaning, in a wide landscape of snows- a colorless, all-color of atheism from which we shrink? And when we consider that other theory of the natural philosophers, that all other earthly hues — every stately or lovely emblazoning — the sweet tinges of sunset skies and woods; yea, and the gilded velvets of butterflies, and the butterfly cheeks of young girls; all these are but subtile deceits, not actually inherent in substances, but only laid on from without; so that all deified Nature absolutely paints like the harlot, whose allurements cover nothing but the charnel-house within; and when we proceed further, and consider that the mystical cosmetic which produces every one of her hues, the great principle of light, for ever remains white or colorless in itself, and if operating without medium upon matter, would touch all objects, even tulips and roses, with its own blank tinge — pondering all this, the palsied universe lies before us a leper; and like wilful travellers in Lapland, who refuse to wear colored and coloring glasses upon their eyes, so the wretched infidel gazes himself blind at the monumental white shroud that wraps all the prospect around him. And of all these things the Albino whale was the symbol. Wonder ye then at the fiery hunt?

My, my! I feel so symbolic. This reminds me of two things, the saddest story I've heard in a while, and my favorite joke:

What is big, purple, and lives in the ocean?

Moby Grape.

In 1929, women were officially considered "Persons" under Canadian law. I'm sure they were all relieved to find that out.

We remember two musicians: John Taverner, an amazing composer of liturgical works who died on this day in 1545; and Charles Gounod, primarily known for his Ave Maria, who died on this day in 1893. In other musical history, the Grand Ole Opry opened in 1925 and the first transistor radio was developed in 1954.