A Journey Through The History of Pac-Man

Pac-Man Fever

If you were old enough to play arcade games in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Pac-Man dominated the industry. By 1983, users had spent as many as 10 billion coins to play the game. The popularity of Pac-Man and a resurgence in vintage video games has made it one of the most iconic and enduring video games ever. Pac-Man-inspired cartoons, merchandise, and even a top 10 song, “Pac-Man Fever” by Buckner and Garcia. Like no other game, Pac-Man has captured gamers' hearts internationally since its introduction; created by the Japanese designer Toru Iwatani, Pac-Man has impacted pop culture and the gaming industry.

Toru Iwatani Creates an Iconic Legend

On May 22, 1980, Pac-Man was developed by Toru Iwatani and released by Namco (now known as Bandai Namco Entertainment) in Japan. In the 70s and 80s, most video games were aimed at boys, and Toru Iwatani designed the game with women in mind. Another issue recognized by Iwatani was the number of video games based on violence or sports. Iwatani was inspired to create a game that appealed to women and non-traditional gamers, deviating from war-themed games and based around a common theme, eating! Developed in over a year and a half, Pac-Man started in early 1979 and was introduced in 1980.

• Home - Official Website | Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
  The official home for ELDEN RING, Armored Core, TEKKEN, DRAGON BALL, GUNDAM, PAC-MAN, and all your favorite video games!

Puck-Man?

As it was initially named, Puck-Man was changed to Pac-Man for its international release to thwart prospective vandalism of arcade cabinets. Puck-Man may have been derived from the Japanese phrase “paku-paku,” which means to flap one's mouth open and closed, or from the Japanese word “pakku,” which means to nibble. However, it was renamed when licensed to Midway for distribution in North America. Namco changed the name to Pac-Man because they thought Puck-Man would be too easy to vandalize, as people could just scratch off the P and turn it into an F.

Gameplay

The objective of Pac-Man is simple: move the main character, a yellow circular creature with a voracious appetite, through a maze to eat all the pellets while avoiding four colorful ghosts—Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. In Japanese, they are known as Fickle, Chaser, Stupid, and Ambusher. In the original version, the ghosts were floating monsters wearing cloaks. If you eat one of the four power pellets, Pac-Man can turn the tables on the spirits, allowing him to chase and eat the ghosts for extra points. The simplistic design and accessibility attracted players of all ages, and Its appeal was further boosted by its unique and memorable character designs. Today, the iconic ghosts and Pac-Man are recognized universally. The highest score achievable in the Pac-Man arcade game is 3,333,360 in 256 levels.

Official Site for Pac-Man

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  PAC-MAN is a cultural icon whose popularity has crossed the globe for more than 40 years. His journey through the maze of gaming universe is far from over! Play Games.

Merchandising and Expanding

Due to the success of the original Pac-Man, Namco recognized its marketability and produced numerous sequels and spin-offs. This greatly expanded the franchise's reach. Ms. Pac-Man was created as an unauthorized enhancement kit but became even more popular than the original. Other iterations like Pac-Man Jr., Pac-Land, and Pac-Man Championship Edition have kept the franchise alive. The success of Pac-Man transcended gaming, leaving an unforgettable mark on popular culture. Pac-Man's influence could be seen in various media, becoming integral to '80s nostalgia. In the investing and business world, the term “Pac-Man” refers to a hostile takeover defense where the target company tries to control the company that bids for it by purchasing high amounts of stock.

The Game Continues

Decades after its initial release, Pac-Man remains an integral part of gaming history. Every year, Pac-Man is celebrated by fans and the gaming community and has recently been added as an official Google Doodle. Often overlooked, Pac-Man revolutionized the gaming industry by being the first maze-chase game. Pac-Man also introduced power-ups and cutscenes to the video game genre. Due to decreased usage during the early 1980s, Pac-Man was retrofitted with additional programming to increase difficulty as the player progressed.

Lasting Legacy

The legacy of Pac-Man is the continued popularity the game holds today. Pac-Man inspired numerous other games and created a market for character gaming. Additional iconic games like Donkey Kong, Frogger, Lady Bug and even Dig Dug are all offshoots of the Pac-Man gameplay. Pac-Man was awarded records in the Guinness Worlds Records, including most successful coin-operated game and the most recognizable game character in the United States.

Rough on Rats

Rough on Rats

Updated on August 15, 2023

Dr. Scott Cooper

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Dr. Cooper is an Adjunct Professor of History, and his research interests include social media's history on society and technology.

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Obituaries Were Once More Descriptive

The level of personal privacy and what today is considered morbid was absent in the late 1800s or early 1900s. When someone died, it was not uncommon for the newspapers to print the manner of death for the interested reader. The more spectacular the end, the more interest was garnered by the newspaper. A quick scan of newspaper obituaries from this era shows all manner of death. For example, the paper may list “John Smith, who jumped from a building” or “John Smith, who died jumping in front of a train.” In increasingly more cases from the 1890s, the obituary might read “John Smith, Rough on Rats” without explanation. Other than making an exciting punk rock band name, “Rough on Rats” does have a meaning that the reader would have understood during this time.

Tuesday May 14 1889 Suicide Obituary

• 14 May 1889 - SUICIDE BY TAKING "ROUGH ON RATS." - Trove
  An enquiry into the cause of the death of Duncan McCulloch, who died at the Adelaide Hospital on Sunday from taking " Rough on Rate," was held by Mr. Coroner Whittell at ...

Ephraim Wells

Explaining “Rough on Rats” as a manner of death began in the early 1870s. Selling his medicines and poisons retail from a storefront, Ephraim Wells barely broke even and considered bankruptcy. The storefront was not full of customers, and it was full of rats! Using chemicals, including arsenic, in his shop, he concocted a mixture to kill the rats overrunning his shop. 18972 In 1872, his wife observed the gruesome death rats experienced while working in the shop. Exclaiming to him in a joke that his new poison was rough on rats, Wells found the name for his new product, “Rough on Rats! Cleverly patenting the title, he closed the retail shop and started advertising his new product to be sold through the mail.

Dyspepsia

Source

Mother Swan’s Worm Syrup

Wells set out to create advertising for his new product and initially featured pictures of wide-eyed cats looking at the product with the caption, Our Occupation Gone! Within a year, Wells marketed “Rough on Rats” through imaginative advertising worldwide. “Rough on Rats” became so popular that Wells tried to capitalize on other products using the same catchy name. “Rough on Corns” and “Rough on Toothache” were two products Wells manufactured in Jersey City, New Jersey, along with “Skinny Men Health Renewer” and “Mother Swan’s Worm Syrup.” Although successful, Wells’ other products failed to rise to the success of “Rough on Rats.”

Worldwide Popularity

By the early 1900s, “Rough on Rats” was sold worldwide, with Wells spending over $70,000 a year on advertising. He expanded into the music publishing business and created a simple song for “Rough on Rats.” Jack London mentions “Rough on Rats” in “That Spot” and The Mutiny of the Elsinore. Wells expanded his advertising to state that “Rough on Rats” would kill any pest in the house, including bed bugs, roaches, and flies. Cheap and readily available, “Rough on Rats” was found on the shelves of even the poorest consumers.

Catchy Jingle

R-r-rats! Rats! Rats!

“Rough on Rats,”

Hang your dogs and drown your cats;

We give a plan for every man,

To clear his house with “Rough on Rats.”

Suicide by Rat Poison

“Rough on Rats” became a worldwide best-selling product. Unfortunately, unrest followed the success. The popularity of “Rough on Rats” created one drawback anywhere it was sold: besides the death of millions of rats around the world. By the early 1900s, “Rough on Rats” increasingly became the preferred method for suicides in the lower classes. Suicide deaths rose during the early 20th century, with poising the leading cause. Although no statistical data has been compiled, “Rough on Rats” was mentioned frequently in every newspaper across the globe during the early 20th century as a manner of death. In addition, “Rough on Rats” contributed to numerous accidental deaths. “Rough on Rats” increasingly became a means of murder worldwide. American slang in the early 1900s included “Rough on Rats” to mean someone in a challenging situation or down on his luck. After the death of Wells in 1913, “Rough on Rats” remained available until the 1950s.

From Rats to Syphilis

The popularity of arsenic rose through the late 1900s and eventually found its way into contaminating numerous food sources. Seafood, especially bivalves, were most susceptible to arsenic runoff. Farmers used arsenic in large quantities to rid crops of unwanted pests. Lumber companies used arsenic as a wood preservative in outdoor structures. During World War II, an arsenic derivative, Arsphenamine, was used to cure syphilis successfully. Arsenic production was eventually discontinued in the United States and is no longer used in domestic products, although it is still used in some industrial manufacturing processes.

“Rough on Rats” may no longer be on your local hardware store shelf or be part of American slang, but the lasting impact of “Rough on Rats” has increased over the previous decade with genealogists discovering the manner of death of distant relatives.

Salvarsan

• Early Solution | Science History Institute
  In the 19th century arsenic was often the poison of choice for murderers. In the early 20th century its image was redeemed when an arsenic derivative became the salvation of those suffering from syphilis.

Buttons of the American Revolutionary War

The Continental Army and numerous state militias used several noteworthy buttons during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). Most buttons from this era were made of numerous materials, made of brass, wood, or pewter. These buttons typically featured distinctive designs or symbols representing the revolutionary cause. Here are some of the notable buttons from the Revolutionary War era:

Massachusetts "Pine Tree" Button: These buttons were used by the Massachusetts Bay Colony troops and featured a pine tree design. The Pine Tree was an important symbol of resistance against British authority.

Continental Army "Great Seal" Button: Some buttons displayed the Great Seal of the United States, which features an eagle with a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows. The Continental Army used these buttons to symbolize their loyalty to the emerging nation.

Virginia State Seal Button: The Virginia state troops used buttons with the Virginia state seal, which includes the Roman goddess Virtus (representing virtue) standing over a defeated British figure.

New York "Excelsior" Button: New York troops used buttons with the word "Excelsior," which means "ever upward" in Latin. This motto represented the determination to achieve higher goals.

South Carolina "Liberty" Button: South Carolina buttons often featured the word "Liberty" and a palmetto tree or other revolutionary symbols.

Connecticut "Hartford Convention" Button: Some Connecticut regiments used buttons with a design referencing the Hartford Convention, a meeting of New England states during the War of 1812. The convention discussed their grievances and sought to limit the federal government's power.

Maryland "Sword in Hand" Button: Maryland troops used buttons featuring the state coat of arms, which included a figure holding a sword in hand, representing the readiness to defend their rights.

Buttons of the Revolutionary War are collector items and museum pieces. 

Computer Mouse

If you own a computer, you know the mouse is essential in inputting information and controlling the cursor. Douglas Engelbart and his Stanford Research Institute (SRI) team invented the computer mouse in the early 1960s.

Here's a brief history of the computer mouse:

1. Invention of the Mouse (1960s): Douglas Engelbart, a computer scientist, and his team developed the first prototype of the computer mouse in the mid-1960s. The device was a wooden shell with two perpendicular wheels that could roll on a surface and translate the movement into cursor movement on a screen.

2. Public Debut (1968): The computer mouse gained public attention during "The Mother of All Demos" in 1968, where Douglas Engelbart showcased a range of groundbreaking technologies, including the mouse, at a computer conference in San Francisco. The demonstration introduced the concept of using a mouse to interact with a graphical user interface (GUI).

3. Early Commercialization (1970s): Various computer companies began experimenting with the mouse following the demonstration. In 1970, Xerox PARC (Palo Alto Research Center) developed a more practical mouse design using a rubber ball instead of wheels, allowing smoother movement. This design became a standard for many subsequent mouse models.

4. Mouse Becomes Mainstream (1980s): The 1980s marked the era when personal computers started gaining popularity, and the mouse became a mainstream input device. Apple's Lisa computer, released in 1983, was one of the first commercially successful computers to incorporate a mouse as a standard input device. The same year, the Apple Macintosh was introduced with a mouse, further popularizing its use.

5. Optical Mouse (1990s): The traditional mechanical mouse with a rubber ball had some limitations, such as the need for regular cleaning. In the 1990s, optical mice were introduced, which used a tiny camera to track movement and eliminated the need for a ball. Optical mice offered more precise tracking and required less maintenance.

6. Wireless and Ergonomic Mice (2000s): The 2000s saw the advent of wireless mice, which relied on infrared or radio frequency technology to transmit signals to the computer, eliminating the need for a physical connection. Additionally, ergonomic designs became more prevalent, focusing on providing greater comfort and reducing wrist strain during extended computer use.

7. Advancements in Sensor Technology: In recent years, mouse technology has advanced significantly. Optical sensors have been replaced with laser sensors, which provide even greater accuracy and work on a wider range of surfaces. High polling rates and adjustable DPI (dots per inch) settings allow users to customize their mouse sensitivity to suit their preferences.

8. Evolving Form Factors: While the traditional mouse shape has remained popular, alternative form factors have emerged. Gaming mice, for example, often feature additional buttons, customizable weights, and RGB lighting. There are also trackballs, touch-sensitive surfaces, and other innovations that provide different methods of cursor control.

The computer mouse has become integral to modern computing, enabling intuitive and precise interaction with graphical user interfaces. Its invention and subsequent evolution have greatly contributed to the development of human-computer interaction.

Chewing Gum

The history of chewing gum dates back thousands of years, with evidence of ancient civilizations chewing various substances for enjoyment and health benefits. Here is a brief overview of the history of chewing gum:

Ancient Times:

- Early evidence of gum-like substances being chewed comes from ancient civilizations. The Greeks chewed mastic gum derived from the resin of the mastic tree, while the Mayans and Aztecs in Central America chewed chicle, a natural gum made from the sap of the sapodilla tree.

19th Century:

- Chewing gum, in its modern form, emerged in the 19th century. In 1848, John B. Curtis, a Maine entrepreneur, started producing and selling spruce gum derived from the resin of spruce trees. Spruce gum became famous as a chewing gum ingredient.

- In the 1860s, Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna introduced chicle to the United States as a potential rubber substitute. However, it did not find success as a rubber substitute but gained popularity as a chewing gum ingredient due to its pleasant taste and chewy texture.

- In 1871, Thomas Adams, a photographer, and inventor, was introduced to chicle by Santa Anna and started experimenting with it. He developed the first commercial chewing gum, "Adams New York Chewing Gum." Adams' company would later become one of the most significant gum manufacturers in the United States.

Late 19th to Early 20th Century:

- Chewing gum production expanded rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Various flavors, including spearmint and wintergreen, were introduced to enhance the taste. Companies like Wrigley, Beech-Nut, and Dentyne became well-known names in the gum industry.

- In 1891, William Wrigley Jr., who initially sold baking powder, began offering chewing gum as a free bonus with his baking powder. The gum's popularity grew, and Wrigley shifted his focus to chewing gum production, eventually establishing the Wrigley Company, one of the leading global gum manufacturers.

- As the industry evolved, gum formulations improved. Initially, gum bases were made from natural substances like chicle, but synthetic gum bases were developed in the early 20th century, providing greater consistency and durability.

Mid-20th Century to Present:

- The mid-20th century brought advancements in gum packaging and marketing. The introduction of sugar-free and breath-freshening gums expanded the market further. Chewing gum became associated with oral hygiene and fresh breath.

- Today, various chewing gum flavors, shapes, and brands are available worldwide. Chewing gum is produced using synthetic gum bases, sweeteners, flavors, and other ingredients. Millions of people enjoy it for various reasons, including oral care, stress relief, and breath freshening.

Overall, the history of chewing gum has seen it evolve from natural resins to synthetic formulations, becoming a popular and widely consumed product enjoyed by people of all ages.

The Pocket Watch

The first pocket watches originated in the 16th century. However, they were pretty different from the pocket watches we are familiar with today. The earliest pocket watches were large and bulky, like portable clocks carried in their pockets. They were typically made in the shape of a sphere or cylinder and were powered by weights or springs.

Peter Henlein, a German locksmith and watchmaker, is often credited with inventing the pocket watch around 1504. His early designs were portable timepieces worn on a chain around the neck or carried in a pocket.

These early pocket watches had only an hour hand and didn't have a minute hand or a protective glass cover over the dial. The time was usually set by observing the sun's position or using other reference timepieces.

Over time, pocket watches became more refined and compact. They evolved into minute hands, protective covers or lids, and more intricate designs. The introduction of the balance spring in the 17th century significantly improved their accuracy and made them more practical.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, pocket watches had become highly valued and fashionable. They were often crafted with intricate engravings, made of precious metals, and adorned with gemstones. Pocket watches remained the primary timekeeping devices until the late 19th century, when wristwatches started gaining popularity.

Today, pocket watches are considered more of a vintage or luxury item, often sought after by collectors or individuals who appreciate their historical and aesthetic value. They are less commonly used for everyday timekeeping purposes, with wristwatches and smartphones being more prevalent.

History of Canned Food

The history of canned food dates back to the late 18th century. Here's a brief overview of the development and evolution of canned food:

1. Early Preservation Techniques: Prior to the invention of canning, various methods were used to preserve food, such as drying, salting, smoking, and fermenting. While these methods were effective to some extent, they often altered the taste and nutritional value of the food.

2. Nicolas Appert and the Birth of Canning: The process of canning was pioneered by a French chef and confectioner named Nicolas Appert. In 1795, he discovered that by sealing food in airtight glass jars and heating them, he could prevent spoilage and prolong their shelf life. Appert's method, known as appertization, involved boiling food in the jars and sealing them with cork and wax.

3. Peter Durand and the Tin Can: In 1810, a British merchant named Peter Durand received a patent from the British government for the preservation of food in tin-plated iron cans. Durand's invention replaced glass jars with tin cans, which were more durable and less breakable than glass. This marked the birth of the modern-day concept of canning.

4. Early Challenges and Improvements: Initially, the canning process faced several challenges. The early cans were sealed with lead, which caused health concerns. However, in the 1840s, the process of using soldered caps made of tin and lead was replaced with safer materials such as tin and later steel.

5. Commercialization and Expansion: Canned food began to gain popularity in the mid-19th century as the technology improved. Commercial canneries started to emerge, and the availability of canned food increased. The canning industry expanded rapidly, and canned goods were exported worldwide.

6. Role in Military and Exploration: Canned food played a significant role in military campaigns and exploration expeditions during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It provided a reliable source of food for soldiers, sailors, and explorers, allowing for longer journeys and easier logistics.

7. Technological Advancements: Over time, advancements in canning technology made the process more efficient and improved the quality of canned food. The development of vacuum sealing and better canning machinery helped to preserve the taste, texture, and nutritional value of the food.

8. Varieties and Convenience: The range of canned food expanded to include various fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, soups, and more. This allowed for a wide variety of options for consumers and made it more convenient to have access to food regardless of the season or location.

Today, canned food is a staple in many households worldwide. It continues to be a reliable and convenient way to store and consume food, offering long shelf life, nutritional value, and convenience in various situations, including emergencies, outdoor activities, and everyday cooking.

Shoes of the American Revolution

During the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), soldiers typically wore shoes or boots suitable for warfare's rugged conditions. The shoes of that era differed from modern footwear in design and materials. Here's some information about Revolutionary War shoes:

1. Style and Design: Revolutionary War shoes were typically made of leather and had a relatively simple design. They were ankle-high and lacked the laces or eyelets commonly found in modern shoes. Instead, they often featured a latchet closure system involving leather straps passing through a buckle or metal hook.

2. Materials: Leather was the primary material for making Revolutionary War shoes. Calfskin, cowhide, or sometimes deer or sheepskin were commonly utilized. These materials provided durability and protection against the elements.

3. Construction: Shoes were usually handcrafted by shoemakers or cobblers. The construction involved stitching together various leather pieces, which were then shaped and formed into the desired shoe structure. The soles were typically thick leather, sometimes reinforced with additional layers or metal plates for durability.

4. Lack of Differentiation: Unlike modern military footwear, there was little distinction between the shoes worn by officers and ordinary soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Both would have worn similar styles of shoes, although officers might have opted for higher-quality materials or added embellishments to signify their rank.

5. Lack of Uniformity: Due to limited resources and supply challenges during the war, soldiers often had to make do with whatever footwear was available. This led to a lack of uniformity in the shoes worn by soldiers, with variations in style, quality, and even the size and fit of shoes.

6. Care and Maintenance: Soldiers had to care for their shoes to ensure longevity. They often grease or oil their footwear to protect the leather from water and other elements. Additionally, repairs were an everyday necessity, as shoes would wear out quickly due to the demanding conditions of military campaigns.

It's important to note that the availability and quality of footwear during the Revolutionary War varied among different individuals and regiments. Soldiers often faced challenges in obtaining suitable shoes, and many had to endure long marches and harsh conditions with inadequate footwear, leading to foot-related issues and discomfort.

Clothing of the American Revolution

During the American Revolution, the clothing worn by individuals varied depending on their social status, occupation, and role in the conflict. Here are some general aspects of clothing during that period:

1. Continental Army Uniforms: The Continental Army, the primary military force of the American colonies, had a standardized uniform for its soldiers. The uniform typically consisted of a blue coat with red or white facings (lapels and cuffs), a waistcoat (vest), breeches (knee-length pants), stockings, and shoes. The soldiers often wore tricorn or cocked hats, which were popular during that era.

2. Militia and Volunteer Units: Militia and volunteer units often wore uniforms that varied from region to region. They might have adopted simpler versions of the Continental Army uniform or worn civilian clothes with distinctive symbols or badges to identify their allegiance.

3. Civilian Clothing: The clothing worn by civilians during the American Revolution was influenced by European fashion trends. Men commonly wore knee-length coats, waistcoats, shirts, breeches, stockings, and shoes. Women's clothing consisted of stays (corsets), gowns, dresses, and aprons. The styles varied depending on social class and occupation, with wealthier individuals wearing more elaborate and fashionable attire.

4. Loyalist Clothing: Loyalists, who remained loyal to the British Crown during the Revolution, often wore clothing similar to that of their British counterparts. This included red coats for British soldiers and civilians who supported the British cause.

5. Work Clothing: Many individuals, particularly those involved in manual labor or farming, would wear practical and durable clothing suitable for their work. This could include simple shirts, trousers, and sturdy boots or shoes.

It's important to note that these descriptions provide a general overview, and there could be variations and regional differences in clothing styles during the American Revolution. Additionally, the clothing worn by Native American tribes and enslaved individuals during this period would have been different and influenced by their respective cultures and traditions.

WWI Rations

During World War I, rations were the primary food source for soldiers in the trenches. The rations provided to soldiers varied depending on the country and the availability of resources. Here are some general examples of World War I rations:

1. British Rations: The British soldiers were given "Bully Beef" (canned corned beef), "Maconochie" (canned stew), hardtack biscuits, tea, sugar, salt, and bacon. They also received items like cheese, jam, and condensed milk when available. Vegetables were scarce, but soldiers sometimes received tinned or dried vegetables like onions and potatoes.

2. American Rations: American soldiers were provided with similar items to the British, including canned meat (such as corned beef and ham), hard bread or "hardtack," canned vegetables, coffee, sugar, salt, and sometimes chocolate and cigarettes.

3. French Rations: French soldiers received various items, including canned meat (like beef or mutton), biscuits, coffee, sugar, salt, and tobacco. They also received wine as part of their rations.

4. German Rations: German soldiers' rations typically included canned meat (such as sausages and corned beef), bread, margarine, coffee, sugar, and salt. They sometimes received canned vegetables, dried fruits, and cheese.

It's important to note that these rations were often monotonous and lacked variety. The quality and availability of rations also deteriorated as the war progressed and supply lines were strained. Soldiers often had to rely on these basic rations for sustenance, supplemented by occasional foraging or trading with locals.