Joseph Guillotin, namesake of the guillotine, opposed capital punishment but promoted the device as a more humane alternative to the brutal execution methods of his time when abolition proved impossible.

In Sweden, it's illegal to leave a dog alone for more than six hours, as this is considered neglectful of animal welfare.

Human pregnancy requires an additional 49,753 dietary calories, which averages to around 300 extra calories per day, roughly equivalent to 1.2 Snickers bars.

The buildings on the Greek Islands are whitewashed partly because it was a cheap disinfectant used to prevent cholera and other diseases in the early 20th century.

The term 'footage' originates from the early days of filmmaking when films were measured in feet during the editing process.

When you eat pineapple, it’s actually eating you too - its bromelain enzyme digests proteins, causing that tingly feeling on your tongue.

Iceland has not had a standing army since 1869, and has no navy or air force either.