This Day in History, Feb. 2nd

1653 - New Amsterdam (now New York City) first incorporated

Even old New York was once "New Amsterdam." Why they changed it, I can't say. People just liked it better that way.

Once thought by historians to be a map of the New Amsterdam settlement, this original lithograph was
eventually revealed to be an early hospital chart. It depicts a cross-section of the effects of advanced syphilis infection on the male member.

1876 - The National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs was formed in New York.

On February 3rd, 1876, New York Knickers first baseman Charles "Chase" McDougall is suspended for use of a synthesized anabolic steroid, then sold under then name "Dr. Angus Feelfine's Lithiated Oriental Pep Salve."

"I AM SO NOT AFRAID OF THE FUCKING POLICE RIGHT NOW."

1979 - Punk rock musician Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols dies of a drug overdose at age 21.

Vicious was born on May 10th, 1957, in Lewisham, England. As many suspect, "Sid Vicious" was indeed a stage name. He had changed it early on in his career, from the slightly-tamer "Melvin Vicious."

"Gotcher beat, mate. I wuz never afraid of the cops in the FIRST fuckin' place. OI OI OI!"