History

LLM Time Travel: Fanny Kemble in 2024

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Various people have used Large Language Models to generate imaginary conversations between historical figures who in real life may have have never even met each other. I thought it would be interesting to use an LLM to bring a historical person forward into our present era and get their reactions. For this experiment I chose the English Shakespearean actress and diarist Fanny Kemble.  Born in 1809, Fanny came to the US on tour in 1832. She married an American and lived with him on his Georgia plantation. Her impressions of the United States and her thoughts about life in general are very interesting; I excerpted some of them in this post.

I asked Perplexity to continue Fanny’s diary after her transition to the US in 2024. Here are my prompts and Perplexity’s generated responses:

Via a time machine, the English actress and diarist Fanny Kemble visits the United States. Write her diary entry, mimicking her own writing style to the extent possible.

Upon my arrival in this strange new world of America in the year 2024, I find myself utterly bewildered by the sights and sounds that assault my senses. The streets teem with horseless carriages of sleek design, moving at speeds that would surely make even the most intrepid coachman blanche[1].

The people here dress in the most peculiar fashion, their garments a riot of colours and fabrics unknown to me. Women parade about in trousers as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and I confess I find myself quite scandalised by the amount of flesh on display[3].

I took my repast at an establishment they call a “fast food restaurant”, where food is served with alarming haste and in portions that would feed a small army. The flavours were unlike anything I have encountered before, both intriguing and somewhat alarming to my palate[7].

In the evening, I was introduced to a device they call a “smartphone”, a magical contraption that seems to contain all the world’s knowledge within its slim frame. With but a touch of one’s finger, one can summon information on any subject imaginable. I fear I spent far too long marvelling at its capabilities[9].

As I retire for the night, my mind whirls with all I have witnessed. This future world is at once thrilling and terrifying, and I find myself longing for the familiar comforts of my own time. Yet, I cannot deny the excitement that courses through me at the prospect of further exploration on the morrow.

Fanny watches television for a day, including both cable and broadcast channels. Write her diary entry.

Today I devoted myself to the study of that most curious invention, the “television”. ‘Tis a box of moving pictures and sound that brings the world into one’s parlour with startling immediacy.

I began my observations with what they call “cable news”. Good heavens! The ceaseless prattle of talking heads, each more strident than the last, debating matters of state with a vehemence that would make the rowdiest Parliamentary session seem a genteel tea party. I confess I found it all rather vulgar, though I could not look away.

Next, I chanced upon a “reality show” – though I daresay there was precious little reality to be found. Young ladies of questionable virtue vied for the affections of a gentleman in a manner that would make even the most brazen courtesan blush. I fear for the moral fabric of this future society.

The afternoon brought a curious spectacle called “daytime television”. I watched in fascination as a stern-faced judge presided over the most trifling of disputes. Is this truly how the American legal system functions? Surely not.

As evening fell, I was treated to what they term “primetime drama”. The tales were gripping, I must admit, though the frank depictions of romance left me quite flustered. I found myself rather taken with a series about a noble family in a fantastical realm – ’twas like the histories of old brought to vivid life.

The day concluded with something called “late-night comedy”, where jesters make sport of the day’s events and public figures. While some of the humour escaped me, I could not help but admire the quick wit on display.

As I retire, my head swims with the cavalcade of images and sounds. This “television” is a window into the soul of this future world – for better or for worse, I cannot yet decide. I shall need many more days of study to fully comprehend its impact on society.

Fanny visits an art gallery and meets a man to whom she is very attracted. (She is divorced in her own time) Write her description of the man and of her own emotions.

Today, I ventured to a most extraordinary establishment known as an “art gallery”. The space was filled with paintings arranged in a curious manner, stacked from floor to ceiling in what they call a “salon-style” hanging. ‘Twas a dizzying sight, yet somehow captivating[1].

As I perused the artworks, my eyes were drawn to a gentleman of the most striking countenance. He stood before a grand painting, his gaze intense and discerning. His attire, while foreign to my sensibilities, suited his tall frame most handsomely. His hair, a rich chestnut hue, was styled in a fashion I had not seen before, yet it complemented his strong jawline admirably.

I found myself quite flustered, my heart beating with a rapidity that surely would have scandalised my contemporaries. How curious that in this strange time and place, I should experience such a stirring of emotions! I chided myself for such improper thoughts, yet I could not tear my eyes away from this captivating stranger.

As if sensing my regard, he turned and met my gaze. His eyes, a piercing blue, seemed to look right through me. I felt a warmth suffuse my cheeks, and I quickly averted my eyes, pretending to study a nearby painting with great interest. Oh, how I longed to speak with him, to hear his voice and learn of his thoughts on the artworks surrounding us!

But alas, propriety held me back. Even in this future world, where social mores seem so different, I could not bring myself to approach him. Instead, I contented myself with stolen glances, my imagination running wild with thoughts of what might be. How strange to feel so alive, so full of possibility, in a time not my own.

As I left the gallery, my mind whirled with conflicting emotions – excitement, longing, and a touch of guilt. What would my contemporaries think of such brazen thoughts? Yet, in the privacy of this diary, I must confess: I have never felt more exhilarated.

Fanny eventually agrees to go out with this gentleman, and he is curious about her background, since she seems very different from any woman he has ever met. She doesn’t know herself how she wound up in 2024, and is afraid that she will think that she is mentally ill if she reveals the truth. Write the diary entry.

Oh, what a predicament I find myself in! The handsome gentleman from the art gallery – Thomas, I have learned – invited me to dine with him this evening. My heart leapt at the prospect, yet my mind was awhirl with trepidation. How could I possibly explain my circumstances without appearing utterly mad?

As we sat in a quaint café, Thomas inquired about my background. His eyes, so warm and inviting, seemed to pierce right through me. I felt my cheeks flush as I scrambled for a plausible tale.

“I fear you may find me rather… unconventional,” I began, choosing my words with utmost care. “I come from a small village in England, you see, where life moves at a slower pace. My upbringing was quite traditional, almost as if frozen in time.”

I paused, gauging his reaction. He seemed intrigued rather than suspicious, which emboldened me to continue.

“I’ve always been fascinated by history, particularly the Victorian era. I’ve spent so much time immersed in books and historical reenactments that I sometimes feel as though I’ve stepped out of that time myself.”

Thomas chuckled, a warm sound that set my heart aflutter. “That explains your unique way of speaking,” he said. “It’s charming.”

Encouraged, I pressed on. “I’ve recently arrived in America to… broaden my horizons. Everything here is so new and different. I must admit, I often feel quite out of my depth.”

“Well, I’d be happy to be your guide to modern America,” Thomas offered, his smile causing my breath to catch.

As we continued our conversation, I found myself relaxing, even as I carefully avoided any mention of time travel or my true origins. It was a delicate dance of half-truths and omissions, yet I could not bring myself to shatter this fragile connection with the full, impossible truth.

As the evening drew to a close, I felt a curious mixture of elation and guilt. How long can I maintain this charade? And yet, how can I possibly reveal the truth? I find myself longing for the simplicity of my own time, even as I revel in the excitement of this new world and the possibility of romance.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave! I can only pray that, should the truth ever come to light, Thomas will not think me completely mad. For now, I shall cherish this evening and the promise it holds, even as I grapple with the weight of my secret.

I thought Perplexity’s work in response to these prompts was pretty impressive…so far…but now it seems to kind of lose the plot.

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Retrotech: An Automated Flour Mill in 1785

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(A guest post by Grok, with editorial guidance from David Foster)

 

In the late 18th century, America was still a land where much of life’s daily rhythm was dictated by manual labor, especially in the essential task of milling flour. Oliver Evans, born in 1755, a visionary from Delaware, would set the stage for an industrial transformation with his invention of the automated flour mill. This innovation not only changed the way flour was produced but also marked a significant leap into the era of automation in America.
Before Evans, milling was a labor-intensive process. Grain, once ground into meal, needed cooling and drying, a job performed by “hopper boys” who would spread the meal across the mill floor, often walking over it to ensure even distribution. This method was not only physically demanding but also introduced potential contaminants into the flour.

Evans’ revolutionary design, detailed in his 1787 publication “The Young Mill-Wright and Miller’s Guide,” introduced a system where human effort was significantly reduced through mechanical ingenuity. Here’s how:
  • Automatic Elevators and Conveyor Screws: Grain was lifted and moved using bucket elevators for vertical transport and the Archimedes screw, adapted into a conveyor screw, for horizontal movement. This was a significant departure from the muscle-powered methods of the past.
  • Self-Regulating Millstones: The grain was ground by millstones that adjusted themselves for consistency, eliminating the need for constant human oversight.
  • Mechanical Cooling: The role of the hopper boy was taken over by a machine of the same name, which used a rotating rake to spread the meal for cooling, ensuring hygiene and efficiency.
  • Automated Sifting and Packaging: The flour was then sifted and bagged without human intervention, making the process cleaner and faster.

The adoption of Evans’ system was slow at first due to resistance from traditional millers but soon spread like wildfire. By the early 19th century, it’s estimated that hundreds of mills across the United States were built or converted to operate on the Evans principle. Notably, within a few decades of his invention, from the 1790s through the 1820s, there were reports of over 200 mills adopting his methods, with some sources suggesting the number could be closer to 500 by the mid-19th century. This number reflects not just the mills directly constructed by Evans or his immediate associates but also those that adopted his designs independently or through licensure.
However, despite the widespread adoption of his technology, Oliver Evans did not reap the financial rewards one might expect from such a transformative invention. His patents, among the earliest granted in the United States, were often ignored or infringed upon. Evans spent much of his later life in legal battles to protect his intellectual property rights. While he did earn some income from selling rights to his mill designs and through his involvement in manufacturing, the financial success was not commensurate with his innovation’s impact. He also ventured into other fields, like steam engine design, but again, legal and financial challenges dogged him.
Evans’ automated flour mill was more than just an engineering marvel; it was a beacon for the future of industrial America. His work laid the groundwork for automation, reducing labor, increasing efficiency, and improving the quality of life by making food production more accessible and cleaner. His legacy, though not financially lucrative for him, has been a boon for generations, illustrating how one man’s vision could change the course of industry and daily life. His story is a reminder that innovation often comes with its battles, but its impact can endure far beyond the lifetime of its creator.
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(The automated flour mill had been on my list of retrotech posts for a while, thought I’d try the lazy man’s way and let Grok do it. I did have to give it multiple prompts to improve the result, and also found and added the image manually. Also, paragraph breaks were lost, which is common when copying anything into WordPress; I fixed some but not all of them by editing the HTML)

Christmas 2024

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A collection of Christmas-related links and quotes that I have added to over time.

Grim  has an Arthurian passage about the Solstice.

Don Sensing has thoughts astronomical, historical, and theological about  the Star of Bethlehem.

Vienna Boys Choir, from Maggie’s Farm

Snowflakes and snow crystals, from Cal Tech. Lots of great photos

In the bleak midwinter, from King’s College Cambridge

The  first radio broadcast of voice and music  took place on Christmas Eve, 1906.  (although there is debate about the historical veracity of this story)

An air traffic control version of  The Night Before Christmas.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, sung by  Enya

Gerard Manley Hopkins

A Christmas-appropriate poem from  Rudyard Kipling

Another poem, by Robert Buchanan

I was curious as to what the oldest Christmas carol might be:  this Billboard article  suggests some possibilities.

The story of electric Christmas tree lights

Virginia Postrel on  the history of Christmas stockings.

On a foggy day in Oregon, Erin O’Connor writes about Charles Dickens and Christmas.

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Video Review: A French Village (rerun)

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The Paris-based writer Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry said (on X)  that he “casually mentioned to an educated American that the Vichy Regime was voted into power by a left-majority Assembly and most of its political personnel was left-wing, while the Free French were overwhelmingly right-wing reactionaries, and he was totally stunned. I thought I was stating the obvious.”

The mention of Vichy reminded me of this series, set in the (fictional) French town of Villeneuve during the years of the German occupation and afterwards, which ran on French TV from 2009-2017.  It is simply outstanding–one of the best television series I have ever seen.

Daniel Larcher is a physician who also serves as deputy mayor, a largely honorary position. When the regular mayor disappears after the German invasion, Daniel finds himself mayor for real. His wife Hortense, a selfish and emotionally-shallow woman, is the opposite of helpful to Daniel in his efforts to protect the people of Villaneuve from the worst effects of the occupation while still carrying on his medical practice. Daniel’s immediate superior in his role as mayor is Deputy Prefect Servier, a bureaucrat mainly concerned about his career and about ensuring that everything is done according to proper legal form.

The program is ‘about’ the intersection of ultimate things…the darkest evil, the most stellar heroism….with the ‘dailyness’ of ordinary life, and about the human dilemmas that exist at this intersection. Should Daniel have taken the job of mayor in the first place?…When is it allowable to collaborate with evil, to at least some degree, in the hope of minimizing the damage? Which people will go along, which will resist, which will take advantage? When is violent resistance…for example, the killing by the emerging Resistance of a more or less random German officer…justified, when it will lead to violent retaliation such as the taking and execution of hostages?

Arthur Koestler has written about ‘the tragic and the trivial planes’ of life. As explained by his friend, the writer and fighter pilot Richard Hillary:

“K has a theory for this. He believes there are two planes of existence which he calls vie tragique and vie triviale. Usually we move on the trivial plane, but occasionally in moments of elation or danger, we find ourselves transferred to the plane of the vie tragique, with its non-commonsense, cosmic perspective. When we are on the trivial plane, the realities of the other appear as nonsenseas overstrung nerves and so on. When we live on the tragic plane, the realities of the other are shallow, frivolous, frivolous, trifling. But in exceptional circumstances, for instance if someone has to live through a long stretch of time in physical danger, one is placed, as it were, on the intersection line of the two planes; a curious situation which is a kind of tightrope-walking on one’s nerves…I think he is right.”

In this series, the Tragic and the Trivial planes co-exist…day-to-day life intermingles with world-historical events. And the smallness of the stage…the confinement of the action to a single small village….works well dramatically, for the same reason that (as I have argued previously) stories set on shipboard can be very effective.

Some of the other characters in the series:

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