1517 Fund

alt-text via GPT – "This is a dramatic black and white illustration featuring two distinct scenes. The upper portion shows a turbulent sky with bold, sweeping brushstrokes creating a sense of motion and energy. A large circular object (possibly the sun or moon) dominates the sky, while a tree or foliage appears silhouetted on the left side. The lower scene depicts a futuristic landscape with several dome-like structures of varying sizes, including what appears to be a geodesic dome with a crosshatch pattern. Two small human figures stand among these architectural elements, giving scale to the scene. The structures have a mix of curved and angular forms, creating a science fiction aesthetic. The entire image is rendered in a bold, expressive style with heavy use of black ink or similar medium, creating strong contrasts between light and dark areas. The artistic technique emphasizes dramatic movement and atmosphere, particularly in the sky portion."

John Schoenherr's art for Space Viking.

Where else would a self-respecting viking go, but the final frontier?

alt-text via GPT - "A dreamlike futuristic landscape blending traditional Japanese architecture with science fiction elements. In the foreground stands a multi-tiered pagoda with characteristic curved black roofs. The pagoda sits among lush greenery and rocky terrain. A bridge connects to more modern structures on the right. In the background, misty mountains frame enormous translucent futuristic structures or floating buildings that rise into a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The scene creates a harmonious juxtaposition of ancient Eastern architecture and advanced technology, bathed in a hazy blue-green atmosphere."

We don't have to choose between the fantastical and the technological.

Why not both?

Art by Finnian MacManus.

A detailed scientific illustration of a Gila monster lizard (Heloderma species) shown in sepia/brown tones. The main image depicts a full side view of the stocky lizard with its distinctive beaded skin texture and banded pattern, short limbs with clawed toes, and blunt head. Surrounding the main illustration are several smaller anatomical diagrams showing close-up details of scale patterns, head structures, and skin textures from different body regions. Text at the bottom left reads "UNITED STATES & MEXICAN BOUNDARY," suggesting this is from a historical natural history publication documenting fauna along the US-Mexico border.

Ozempic (semaglutide), mounjaro (tirzepatide), retatrutide etc. were derived from molecules isolated in Gila monster venom by an "eccentric biochemist," Jean-Pierre Raufman.

He asked the insane question others didn't, "can venom help humans?"

alt-text via GPT - "This image shows a CT (computed tomography) scanner, a large medical imaging machine with a distinctive circular opening (called a gantry) in the center where patients are positioned for scanning. The CT scanner features a ring-shaped main structure surrounded by various technical components including multiple cooling fans, control panels, cables, and monitoring equipment. The machine appears to be in a medical facility or hospital setting with warm yellow-orange lighting. Various wires and cables connect different components of the system, and there are control panels and electronic equipment visible throughout the setup. A sign reading "B1085" is visible in the background. The sophisticated medical equipment uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body for diagnostic purposes.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses."

A skinned CAT (scanner)

paper text - "a, Schematic of transcriptomics workflow for RNA-seq of hippocampal neuronal nuclei (N = 3 young (3 months) and N = 2 aged (18 months) mice). Volcano plot illustrating differential gene expression in hippocampal neurons of young compared to aged mice. Red dots represent significantly increased genes, and light blue dots represent significantly decreased genes. b, Gene Ontology (GO) terms of biological processes associated with upregulated and downregulated genes in hippocampal neurons during aging. Numerals indicate number of genes in each process. c, Schematic of proteomics workflow for mass spectrometry of cortical and hippocampal synaptosomes (N = 3 young (3 months) biological replicates (20 mice per replicate) and N = 3 aged (18–20 months) biological replicates (20 mice per replicate)). Volcano plot illustrating differential protein levels in synaptosomes of young compared to aged mice."

There's been a cognitive aging-related breakthrough,

"an increase in [..] iron-associated protein ferritin light chain 1 (FTL1) [..] in the hippocampus of aged mice, [..correlate] with cognitive decline."

"Targeting neuronal FTL1 in [..] aged mice improves [..] cognitive impairments"

alt-text via GPT – "A split image comparing vintage technology predictions with modern smartwatches. Left side shows a retro magazine article titled "THE ELECTRONIC REVOLUTION" from "HOMES AND ENVIRONMENT" featuring illustrations of a futuristic "wristwatch radio-telephone" concept called a "risto." The article describes how city dwellers could use these devices to talk to anyone anywhere, send electronic mail, and even participate in instant voting. It includes detailed drawings of the wrist device with labeled features like "pop-out aerials," "digital readouts," and "emergency buttons." Right side shows modern smartwatches in use, displaying navigation maps, health monitoring features (labeled "Fall," "Trip," "Slip"), and people wearing Apple Watches in everyday situations. The juxtaposition highlights how remarkably accurate some of these past predictions were for today's wearable technology."

In 1979, children's books publisher, Usborne Publishing, worked with an aerospace engineer, Kenneth Gatland, and artist, David Jefferis, to create an illustrated guide to the future.

Here is their page on Ristos – computers on our wrist. Imagine that.

Rembrandt van Rijn (Leyden, 1606 - 1669, Amsterdam) Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, 1633

Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, Rembrandt van Rijn. 1633.

Rembrandt's only seascape was stolen from a Boston museum in 1990. Its location is currently unknown.

Early Space Shuttle concepts were uncannily similar to Starship. Example, #51,223

A shuttle for Mars departing Earth. Art by Renato Moncini.

alt-text via GPT – "This image shows a dramatic space scene featuring a white Space Shuttle with "UNITED STATES" written in black letters on its side. The shuttle is flying above Earth's curved surface, which appears as blue-green landmasses and ocean below. In the upper portion of the image, there's a satellite or space station module with solar panels extended. An astronaut can be seen floating in space, connected by a tether line, appearing to be conducting a spacewalk or EVA (extravehicular activity). The scene is bathed in striking reddish-orange atmospheric colors that blend into the deep black of space, creating a sunset-like effect across the upper portion of the image. Stars are visible scattered throughout the dark space background. The overall composition has a somewhat vintage or artistic quality, emphasizing the majesty and drama of human space exploration."

Early Space Shuttle concepts were uncannily close to SpaceX's Starship - part: 1,241,022

In this Grumman Shuttle proposal, the Shuttle is designed around a ‘lifting body’ design, similar to Starship, with the idea (most likely) being a similar re-entry profile.

alt-text via GPT – "Collage showing GE YJ93 jet engine technology designed for the XB-70 program: detailed technical cutaway diagram of the turbojet engine (top), engine test firing with afterburner flames (bottom left), and black-and-white photos of YJ93 engines in manufacturing and testing facilities (bottom right)."

Just your regularly scheduled reminder that in the 1950s, the US designed & planned to mass manufacture giant Mach 3 airplanes.

2.4k mi (3.9k km) in 90 min.

Or, NYC to LA in 90 min.

alt-text via GPT — "A man in formal dark coat and hat stands in a circular wooden weather monitoring station, with a sign reading "U.S Weather Bureau Co Operative Station Midvale Utah Rain Gage U.S Smelting Co" visible in this black and white historical photograph."

Top of the morning to you! Mayhaps we can create a better world today?

alt-text via GPT – This image is a collage combining technology and science-related content. In the top left, there's a close-up photo of a person wearing dark sunglasses. The top right contains several AI-related news headlines, including "'The Signal for AI' comes out of stealth with $4.2M," "xAI is hiring an engineer to make anime girls," and mentions of messaging apps and Siemens CEO discussing Germany's AI initiatives. The bottom left shows a person wearing protective gear or a mask, appearing to be in a laboratory or industrial setting. The bottom right features scientific content about fusion energy, including a technical graph showing temperature and concentration data with colored contour lines, and headlines about "Marathon Fusion" and "Creating gold in fusion reactors." There's also an image of what appears to be fusion reactor equipment with a bright orange-yellow plasma core visible in the center. The overall composition juxtaposes current AI technology news with advanced scientific research in fusion energy, creating a collage that represents cutting-edge technological developments across different fields.

we're in the business of making alchemists obsolete.

eat it Newton.

Congrats on the breakthrough Marathon Fusion, Kyle Schiller & Adam Rutkowski

A medici grantee's project

At 1517, we're proud supporters of the new Vat-to-Agar movement.

via 1517 Medici grantee @x - divyan_b

ps - if you're a wily teen between 18 & 14 who'd like to join the cause; apply to 2E! Deadline is August 3rd, 2025!

1517.smapply.us/prog/2e2025/

The aircraft of the future from Popular Mechanics, 1932.

"At the controls of an aircraft of the future," which would be a rocket (of course).

Popular Mechanics, 1932.

Casting bronzes in the home work shop

Casting bronze at home, May 1932.

Don't forget the asbestos!

alt-text via GPT — "This infographic titled "City of anarchy" provides a detailed examination of Kowloon Walled City, a former high-density settlement in Hong Kong. The centerpiece is a detailed isometric cutaway illustration showing the incredibly dense urban structure that housed 50,000 residents in just 2.7 hectares. The illustration reveals multiple levels of cramped apartments, narrow corridors, and makeshift construction, with people visible in various rooms and activities throughout the complex. Key statistics displayed include: 500 buildings packed into the small area Monthly rent of HK$35 for tiny spaces 40 square feet per person living space Population density comparisons showing it was far denser than Hong Kong (6,500 people per square kilometer) or Manhattan (25,000)"

The Kowloon Walled City used to be an actual walled city - a fortress. Historical accidents turned it into a world of its own with 700+ factories / industrial premises and hundreds of unlicensed schools, medical clinics, doctors and dentists.

Alt-text via GPT — "Detailed 18th-century technical diagram of military fortification design, featuring a central hexagonal fortress, surrounded by precise illustrations of engineering tools, defensive structures, cannons, barriers, and architectural elements. The black and white engraving demonstrates complex military architectural principles and defensive strategies."

Table of fortifications from Ephraim Chamber's 1728 Cyclopædia. Or, "An Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences; containing the Definitions of the Terms, and Accounts of the Things signify'd thereby, in the several Arts, both Liberal and Mechanical, and the several Sciences, Human and Divine [..]"

Alt-text via GPT — "Detailed architectural cross-section drawing of a complex, pyramid-shaped urban structure. The illustration is in black and white, featuring intricate architectural details and labels indicating different functional zones. The central pyramid is divided into multiple levels, including areas labeled "Residential", "Public", "City Center", "Cultural Center", "Commercial", and "Living-Working". The structure is flanked by simplified architectural drawings of surrounding buildings, with a stylized skyscraper silhouette on the right side. At the bottom, an "Automated Industries" section is visible. The drawing is meticulously rendered with fine lines, cross-hatching, and dense architectural details, suggesting a comprehensive urban design concept that integrates multiple aspects of city life into a single, monumental structure."

Alt-text via GPT — "Black and white architectural sketch of a massive, pyramidal structure with intricate, densely detailed surfaces. The building appears to be a complex, multi-layered architectural design with a triangular profile. Its surface is covered in minute, architectural details suggesting windows, structural elements, and complex texturing. The structure stands on a flat horizon line, flanked by simplified, curved landscape elements on either side. The drawing style is highly detailed, using fine line work and cross-hatching to create depth, texture, and a sense of monumental scale. The overall impression is of a futuristic, almost science fiction-like architectural concept that blends geometric precision with organic complexity."

The architect Paolo Soleri's hexahedron arcology. 1969.

alt-text via GPT — "Futuristic concept art of a Mars settlement called Harmonia City, dated 16-11-2089. The image depicts a sprawling urban complex nestled within a dramatic, rocky, orange-red Martian landscape. Architectural structures with curved and angular designs are integrated into the terrain, featuring a large solar panel array in the foreground and additional buildings ascending a layered, canyon-like topography. A towering structure sits atop a distant mesa, and the entire scene is bathed in warm, orange and red hues suggesting the planet's distinctive coloration. A handwritten note explains that the solar panels are rested against the walls of the lower level of the city, named after the goddess Harmonia, daughter of the god Ares. The image is marked with a "Castor XIII" logo and is labeled as page 26."

From Andrey Maximov's Mars series. Harmonia city.

A starship like vehicle that was proposed for NASA's Space Shuttle alternatives study.

Early Space Shuttle concepts were uncannily similar to SpaceX's Starship.

This proposal from the 1971 was proposed by Grumman Aerospace & Boeing for NASA's "Alternate Space Shuttle Concept[s]" study. It had a modified Saturn V first stage w/ a shuttle-like vehicle on top.

alt-text via GPT — "Vintage illustration of a futuristic medical or scientific facility, depicted as a complex cross-section of a large vertical structure with multiple rooms and levels. The illustration is predominantly red and white, with intricate details showing various rooms and personnel engaged in different activities. Labeled sections include "Atmosphere Recorder", "Continuous Tape Recorder", "Medical Laboratory", and "Air Lock". The rooms are filled with stylized human figures performing tasks like exercising, monitoring equipment, and working in laboratory settings. The artwork has a mid-20th century aesthetic, with a detailed, slightly crowded composition that suggests a scientific or space-age environment. Technical equipment, machinery, and geometric shapes dominate the design, creating a sense of technological complexity and precision."

Simulating living in space. Collier's Magazine, 1953.

alt-text via GPT — "An aerial view of a reconstructed ancient circular stone dwelling with a cutaway roof, revealing the interior. Inside, three figures in simple clothing gather around a central fire pit within the stone-walled structure. The dwelling has a circular stone base with wooden framework supporting what would be a thatched roof. A hide-covered entrance frame is visible at the front, and various wooden implements are scattered around the exterior. A copyright mark indicates "©Bob Marshall 2023" in the bottom corner."

alt-text via GPT — "The same ancient circular stone dwelling shown from the same aerial angle, but with its thatched roof fully intact. The structure features a complete dome-shaped thatch roof supported by wooden beams over circular stone walls. The dwelling has a hide-covered entrance frame and a woven basket visible beside the doorway. The surrounding area shows rocky ground and sparse vegetation. This image provides the exterior view of the same structure shown in cutaway form in the first image. The same copyright mark "©Bob Marshall 2023" appears in the bottom corner."

How we used to live. Cutaways of a roundhouse from the Bronze Age.

"[Their] layout [..mirrored modern homes with space] for cooking, sleeping, and textile production. [Residents ate] porridge, cereals, honey, and stews made with beef, mutton, and fish"

alt-text via GPT — "A 19th century painting depicting a sparse interior room with dark walls and high ceiling. A person in dark clothing stands reading near a bed with white linens. An open window in the center reveals a bright countryside landscape with cypress trees and rolling hills. The room contains a small desk with writing materials, some luggage in the corner, and what appears to be a guitar leaning against the wall. The contrast between the dimly lit interior and the sunlit landscape outside creates a contemplative atmosphere."

The artist in his room at the Villa Medici, Léon Cogniet.

Remember: Freedom!

Remember. Freedom.

Flight trajectory for the International Solar Polar Mission

What are you launching off the plane of the ecliptic today?

A cat in a medical pod with scientists overlooking its care affectionately rubs against a medical device.

Adrian Bush's "The Easter Project."

Cats are gonna cat.

alt-text via GPT — "A meme featuring a close-up photo of an orange tabby cat with large, expressive eyes looking directly at the camera with what appears to be a sad or disappointed expression. Above the cat is a colorful molecular model showing DNA strands in blue, pink, red, and teal colors. White text overlaid on the image reads 'when u thought you were the leading strand but you were an Okazaki fragment all along' followed by a disappointed face emoji. This is a science humor meme referencing DNA replication terminology."

If you're focused on what matters, then who cares if you're the leading strand or an Okazaki fragment. In life, as in molecular biology, results matter more.

alt-text via GPT — "An aerial view illustration of an ancient hillfort settlement, showing multiple concentric rings of earthwork ramparts and stone walls built into the natural contours of a large hill. The fortification has several terraced levels, with the highest point featuring stone walls and buildings with red roofs. Throughout the different levels are scattered roundhouses and other ancient dwellings typical of Iron Age settlements. Small figures of people and livestock can be seen throughout the settlement, bringing it to life. The surrounding landscape shows rolling green countryside with other hills visible in the distance under an overcast sky with birds flying overhead. The artistic style suggests this is a historical reconstruction showing how such an Iron Age hillfort community might have appeared in ancient times."

Reconstructed Iron age Hillfort from ~500BC. "several important finds [were found in the fort like] a [Bronze Age] cup-and-ring marked rock [&] Pictish slab [showing] an incised bull."

Reconstruction by Bob Marshall commissioned by Fife Coast & Countryside Trust, 2015.

alt-text via GPT — "A vintage black and white magazine cutaway illustration titled 'THE 4-SECOND MILER!' showing a detailed technical drawing of the Bluebird land speed record car. The cutaway view reveals the internal components of the streamlined vehicle, including the jet engine, fuel systems, cockpit, and various mechanical parts, all labeled with numbers corresponding to a detailed key on the right side. The illustration includes statistics comparing speeds: the present Bluebird record of 403.1 MPH, the speed of sound at 760 MPH, and the new Bluebird's target of 840 MPH, noting that 1 mile would take about 6½ seconds at the speed of sound versus the goal of about 4 seconds. The artwork is credited as 'An EAGLE cutaway DRAWING' and appears to be from a mid-20th century publication, showing the ambitious engineering behind attempting to break land speed records."

The 4-second mile; infographic, 1964. Describing Donald Campbells' project to break the sound barrier on land.

Breaking speed records was a Campbell family tradition. Donald's father, Malcolm Campbell built 3 cars & 2 boats to break records. Donald, 1 car & 2 boats.

alt-text via GPT — "A fantastical fairy-tale illustration showing an elaborate treehouse castle built around and into massive tree trunks. The structure features multiple levels with stone walls, timber framing, and distinctive red conical roofs on cylindrical towers. The buildings are elevated on wooden stilts and platforms, with lush green plants and hanging gardens adorning balconies and windows. Small human figures can be seen at ground level near the base of the structure. The scene is set in a pastoral landscape with rolling green hills, cypress trees, and a classical stone column in the distance. The sky is clear blue, and the overall artistic style is detailed and painterly, evoking a whimsical storybook aesthetic."

'Build a house' by Gorg. 2017. According to the artist, "What's so hard about building a house? We'll just draw one and live in it!"