Silvester Paradox: hoaxer or mystificator?

MJ suggests that “adventures, devices and hoaxes” is a better translation of “aventuras, inventos y mixtificaciones” than “adventures, inventions and mystifications.” I think that’s a bit hard on C19th Spain’s greatest scientist ;o)

Islamic green used to stigmatise Spanish convict labour?

Joseph Townsend, A Journey Through Spain in the Years 1786 and 1787 (1791): When we drew near to Barcelona, we had to cross a river [ie the Besòs], in which we counted fifty felons, clothed in green, and employed in clearing the channel, whilst sentinels stationed at convenient distances prevented their escape. It is curious…