When I came across an ad for Porpoise Jaw Oil in the August 1965 issue of Popular Mechanics, I doubted whether it was really oil derived from porpoises (small toothed whales). However, after reading the fine print — "The incomparable lubricity of the dolphin oils has led to over 100 years use as superb lubricants for timepieces, micrometers, fine instruments, electrical contacts, and all delicate mechanisms" — I realized that the oil did, in fact, come from porpoise jaws. — Read the rest

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Here are some fantastically fun bicycle designs in Chicago from 1939. Watch people ride around on them in the middle of traffic, sans helmet. 

The footage shows a double-decker bike, a super tall bike, a two-story bike with a sewing table in the middle (including a woman sewing a garment while others peddle), and more. — Read the rest

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