Comments by "SmallSpoonBrigade" (@SmallSpoonBrigade) on "Overdue Library Book Returned After 120 Years" video.

@jeremykothe2847 Yes, he's one of the most important scientists of the 19th century, which is arguably one of the most productive periods in science ever.
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@Andoresu96 The problem is that by the time he had the wealth to engage in this philanthropy, he had already destroyed countless lives, He could have done far more good for the world by simply not leaching so much off the businesses he was operating and allowing more of it to remain in the hands of the workers. Who knows how many other potentially great leaders and thinkers could have received funding if they could keep more of the money being generated.
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The local libraries around here did away with late fees a while back. The maximum fine that they hand out is capped. They'll waive most of the fee. If you don't return the books, though, you can wind up being barred from borrowing until it is resolved and the fee does get sold off to debt collectors though. The last bit is less than ideal, but I'm not sure what the alternative would be as the borrower would have already had multiple opportunities to make things right at a minimal cost.
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We have several around here. They have their own distinct architectural aesthetic to them so you know where the money probably came from immediately.
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@Foobar_The_Fat_Penguin It's of great historical significance and this particular book has a moderately interesting story attached to it.
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@msheakc Yes, although I'd wager that it will probably be donated to a museum. As well, it should be, not only is it old, it's also got a moderately interesting history and is a useful example of scientific writing of the era.
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@HariSeldon913 Yes and by that time there's usually been so much damage done that it can't be undone for any sum of money.
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@mattbosley3531 It's spelled Clerk, but it's pronounced Clark.
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