Name That List, #31

What is this a list of? The answer is below in extended.

Horse Flies of the Ethiopian Region
The Measurement of Small Holes (translated from Russian)
Illustrated Catalogue of Fleas
Sex Life of the Elephant Seal
Aerodynamic Forces on Biconvex Aerofoils Oscillating in a Supersonic Slipstream
The Gas Examiner's Working Notes
The Highway Code
The Rent Act and You
Seats for Female Shop Assistants

Answer:

These are some of the page-turning titles that have been published, over the years, by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, for the benefit of British taxpayers. You can read a company history of the Stationery Office here.

Sir John Simpson, Controller of the H.M.S.O., admitted in 1957, "Sometimes I wonder who on earth reads them."

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Posted By: Alex - Tue Jul 19, 2016
Category: Name That List

Comments

I worked my way through college (1969-'72 and full time during the summers) as a government documents depository librarian so I do get it! Not only does the US gov (and all others, I'm certain) print these things, but they pay college libraries to store them. No one ever consulted these files.

Posted by Margaret Hawes on 07/19/16 at 10:14 AM

I thought for sure THIS list had to do with Howard Hughes, considering the Supersonic Forces on Biconvex Aerofoils.

Posted by Virtual on 07/19/16 at 01:43 PM

I guessed an author's bookshelf -- there's no telling what info you're going to need. (My reference books are just as diverse.)

Posted by Phideaux on 07/19/16 at 02:47 PM

Perhaps physicians who treat sleep disorders should have these on hand for their patients.

Posted by KDP on 07/19/16 at 04:44 PM

I was going to guess my bookshelf because it tends to have remaindered books sold at huge discounts (my Scottish ancestry). I can't imagine how people get by without the Illustrated Catalogue of Fleas.

Posted by Harvey on 07/20/16 at 11:34 PM

I was leaning toward the Howard Hughes angle also. Having worked in aircraft including Government Contracts, I am fully aware if there is a subject, there is a specification for the control and manufacture. We used to come up with random subjects and look them up. Never came across one the Govt. didn't cover.

Posted by GFinKS on 07/21/16 at 01:46 PM

Several of them sounded like they could have been thesis papers by students seeking advanced degrees.

Posted by tadchem on 07/23/16 at 07:24 AM

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