Inventions that Didn't Change the World Read online

  1 Herbert Sussman, Victorian Technology: Invention, Innovation, and the Rise of the Machine, Oxford: Praeger, 2009, p. 67.

  2 Mary Stickney Ellis, The Wives of England: Their Relative Duties, Domestic Influence, & Social Obligations, London: Fisher, Son & Co, 1843, p. 219. Quoted in Judith Flanders, Inside the Victorian Home, London and New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2003, p. 168.

  3 Mrs [Jane Ellen] Panton, Homes of Taste: Economical Hints, London: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington, 1890. Quoted in Judith Flanders, Inside the Victorian Home, London and New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2003, p. 168.

  4 Rachel Rich, ‘Designing the dinner party: Advice on dining and décor in London and Paris, 1860–1914’, Journal of Design History, 16(1), 2003, p. 49.

  5 Sussman, op. cit., p. 70

  6 Rich, op. cit., p. 49.

  7 Mrs Loftie, ‘The Dining Room, “Art at Home”’ series, London, 1876, quoted in Rich, op. cit., p. 57.

  8 Flanders, op. cit., pp. 191 and 192.

  9 Flanders, op. cit., p. 131.

  10 ‘First report of the Commissioners of the Exhibition of 1851’, Parliamentary Papers, 1852, vol 26, Appendix 30.

  11 Flanders, op. cit., p. 335.

  12 Anne Hardy, ‘Parish pump to private pipes: London’s water supply in the nineteenth century’, Medical History, Supplement No 11, 1991: 76–93.

  13 Helena Barrett and John Phillips, Suburban Style: The British Home, 1840–1960, London: Little, Brown and Company, 1993, p. 120.

  14 Ibid.

  15 Gwen Raverat, Period Piece: A Cambridge Childhood, [1952], London: Faber & Faber, 1987, p. 183. Quoted in Flanders, op. cit., p. 328.

  16 Barrett and Phillips, op. cit., p. 64.

  17 Flanders, op. cit., pp. 6–7.

  18 Mary Eliza Joy Haweis, Rus in Urbe: Or, Flowers That Thrive in London Gardens and Smoky Towns, London: Field and Tuer, 1886.

  19 Barrett and Phillips, op. cit., p. 169.

  DESIGN FOR A “JACK” FOR PUTTING ON AND PULLING OFF BOOTS

  1846

  Fig. 1. side elevation Fig. 2. plan view. Fig. 3. end view

  Boots can be pulled on and off by attaching them to the hook (E) and using the levers (D). The slot in the central section (B*, Fig. 1.) contains a screw (B2) whereby the height of the standards (B) may be adjusted to suit the height of the person. Spaces are allowed (K) in case the person’s boots should have spurs attached thereto.

  A DESIGN FOR THE SHAPE OR CONFIGURATION OF A BOOT OR SHOE WARMER

  1863

  Fig. 1. external view of the boot or shoe warmer made of earthenware Fig. 2. section thereof

  This is a cheap and simple instrument suitable for containing hot water and of a form that may be readily inserted into a boot or shoe. The instrument can be opened and closed by means of the screw plug (C) and an india rubber washer.

  DESIGN FOR THE SHAPE OR CONFIGURATION OF A SPATULA

  1847

  The novelty of this design is that configuration of the blade (a) of a Spatula which consists of the blade being hollow so as to receive a heater in place of being solid as heretofore.

  KNIFE AND FORK CLEANER

  1850

  Fig. 1. front elevation Fig. 2. end elevation

  The drums (C, D & E) are turned by (B), a cranked shaft attached by a rod (G) to a treadle (F). The first drum (C) is covered with buff leather for cleaning the sides of the blades of knives, the second (D) is for cleaning the backs of blades, and the third (E) has its periphery covered with bristles or wires and forms a cylindrical brush suitable for the cleaning of forks.

  DESIGN FOR A COUNTERBALANCE CANDLE HOLDER

  1847

  In this design the candle is fixed onto the socket (a) suspended by the chains (bb) passing over the pulleys (cc) and is counterbalanced by the ring (dd) and chains (ee), the upper ends of which are attached to the stationary ring (ff) by which means the flame of the candle is always kept at one uniform height.

  ILLUMINATED NIGHT CLOCK

  1847

  A helical spring (b) is placed at the bottom of the candlestick, (a); (c) is the support on which the candle rests, which is forced up by the spring; (d) is a cap which prevents the candle rising excepting as it burns away; (e) is a slot in the candlestick through which the pointer (f), which is attached to the candle support (c) passes; as the candle burns away the support (c) and pointer rise, and the latter traversing the dial (g) indicates the time.

  IMPROVED BREAD KNIFE

  1846

  (A.A.A) is an iron stand with two upright pillars between which are suspended from the point (B) two straight bars or levers supporting a knife moving freely upon the point (C). (D) is a board on which the loaf or other substance to be cut is placed. The claim is for all the parts except the knife (E) and the board (D).

  THE DESIDERATUM COMBINED KNIFE AND FORK*

  1881

  Figs. 1. & 2. the combined knife and fork in an open position, from each side Fig. 3. in the closed position

  The fork has a blade (b), and a barb (e), which prevents food from slipping when being cut. When in use the food is cut with one hand, and when so cut, the instrument is closed, assuming the position shown at Fig. 3. when it can be used as a fork.

  DESIGN FOR A GRAVY DISH

  1849

  Fig. 1. top plan view Fig. 2. section taken through the line (AB) at Fig. 1.

  The Gravy gradually runs down to reservoir (C) the carver having cut the meat and being ready to serve the gravy, he withdraws the Cork (F) with the point of his fork by passing it through the ring thereon. The pure gravy runs through the passage into reservoir (D) leaving the grease &c in the reservoir (C).

  DESIGN FOR AN OYSTER OPENER

  1852

  Fig. 1. side view Fig. 2. plan view of the improved instrument

  A knife (c) is attached to a bell-crank lever (b), which is pushed whilst the operator holds the oyster, positioned in a cup (f), in position. A spring (h) allows the position of the oyster to be adjusted. The design consists in a novel configuration constituting an improved Oyster Opener the object being to open Oysters with greater facility than heretofore.

  DESIGN FOR A CURVED ROLLER BLIND

  1866

  A wire helix covered with cloth is connected with the barrel (c*) and with the fixed spindle. When the blind is drawn up it will rotate the barrel and wind up the spring which will be retained in that position by the catch (f).

  APPARATUS FOR RAISING AND LOWERING CHANDELIERS

  1846

  ABOVE

  Fig. 1. the design Fig. 2. detached from chandelier

  Fig. 3. top plan view

  Rollers (CC) are attached to the chandelier (BB); the rollers revolve on axes (DD), over which the chain (E) passes. One end is attached to the moveable part (F) of the chandelier and the other to a counterbalance (G).

  BELOW

  Fig. 1. the design Fig. 2. edge view Fig. 3. top plan view

  A chain (EE) passes over grooved pullies or rollers (CC). A counterbalance (G), slides up and down a tube (H).

  DESIGN FOR A PORTABLE BED WARMER

  1844

  Fig. 1. the whole configuration of the stand in one general view Fig. 2. view of the configuration of the Lamp Fig. 3. the wire gauze chimney section shewn separately

  (E) is the chimney and (F) its socket by which it is set on the Lamp at (G), the Lamp being then placed in the cavity (H) of Fig. 1. The Lamp is lighted with Spirits of Wine.

  […]SUPPORTER OR BED REST

  1850

  Fig. 1. view of the supporter shewing the manner in which it is applied Fig. 2. perspective view of it as detached

  The device is attached (CC) to the foot posts of the bed. Buckles (ee) allow the position to be adjusted; the design aims to provide a firm and efficient but at the same time pliant and easily adjustable support to invalids and others when reclining or sitting up in bed.

  DESIGN FOR A NURSE’S ASSISTANT OR “BABY JUMPER”

  1847

  Fig. 1. exhibits the Design complete and as it would appear when in use; the remaining figures are drawn to a larger scale for the sake of clearness Fig. 2. the jacket

  Having placed the Child in the jacket shown in Fig. 2. the elasticity of the spring (E) will cause the Child to rebound continually from the floor the distance being so adjusted that its feet just touch the floor thus affording a safe healthy and pleasing exercise for Children.

  NON-ORNAMENTAL DESIGN FOR A ROCKING HORSE

  1850

  Fig. 1. side view of the Rocking Horse complete

  Fig. 2. side view with parts in section Fig. 3. plan with the Horse and rockers removed

  (A) is the horse, (BB) are the rockers working on the platform (C). It will be evident that this arrangement allows of the rocking of the horse, but at the same time prevents it from shifting backwards or forwards or sideways from its proper position.

  USEFUL NEW DESIGN FOR “A PORTABLE BATH”*

  1861

  (A) is the body of the bath, having two compartments (BB) – (C) is the lid, (D) is a swing flange, (E) is a pipe in connection with a spirit lamp which feeds the bath with heated fluids. The dotted lines indicate the passage of the same. (FF) is the receptacle for water for the shower. The purpose of utility is the application of steam, Hot Air, cold and warm shower, cold and warm Slipper Baths, through the medium of one Apparatus.

  IMPROVED SELF-ACTING SERVICE CISTERN FOR WATER CLOSETS

  1852

  Fig. 1. front elevation Fig. 2. end elevation

  (A) is the pan and (A1) the trap for sealing the pan. (C) is the cistern, divided into (D) and (E) each of which is supplied with a valve (b) and (c): valve (b) is for opening a communication between the two compartments; (c) is for allowing the water to flow into the pan (A).

  DESIGN FOR “THE HYDRO-VAPOUR BATH”

  1849

  To the upper part of the “sitz bath” a flexible covering shown by dots at (bb) is adapted and furnished with an elastic ring in the centre which by closing airtight around the neck prevents the vapor from escaping. (f) is another reservoir for cold or tepid water which will flow down the pipes in (ii) through perforated plates in (kk) into the bath where it strikes or impinges upon the body of the Patient in a shower.

  DESIGN FOR A PORTABLE SHOWER-BATH

  1845

  Fig. 1. vertical section of the reservoir through the line (AB) in Fig. 2. Fig. 2. plan view of the upper side of the machine Fig. 3. profile view Fig. 4. plan view of the underside

  (A) is a reservoir of any elastic and waterproof material, attached to the concave plate (B) by the holes (CC). The valve (F) is opened by either pulling it downwards or pushing it upwards. Fig. 4. shews perforations for the escape of water.

  IMPROVED IRRIGATOR

  1845

  Fig. 1. side elevation Fig. 2. top view, cover removed

  (A) is the water case and (B) is the funnel-shaped head through which the case is filled. The water as it passes through the pan (C) is freed from any sand or stone which may happen to be intermingled with it. (F) is a nozzle piece of four branches three of which (1, 2, 3) unite in one common tube which fits onto the spout (E1).

  SAWING INSTRUMENT

  1850

  Fig. 1. elevation in its complete state Fig. 2. side elevation Fig. 3. side elevation of three links Fig. 4. plan of the teeth Fig. 5. cross section

  (A) is the handle, (BB) a frame for carrying an endless saw. For surgical and other purposes.

  APPARATUS TO BE USED FOR DISTROYING INSECTS ON TREES

  1851

  Rose and other trees may be enclosed by the apparatus and the fumes of Tobacco or other matters or vapour for killing the insects be introduced so as to pervade the space within the apparatus. The apparatus is partly in the form of an umbrella and has applied thereto a cylinder (x) of fabric with an opening at (a) for the nozel of a fumigator (e) to be introduced.

  PEACH PROTECTOR, GREENHOUSE

  1850

  Fig. 1. showing the interior Fig. 2. side elevation

  For a Peach growing against a wall: (aa) is a glass dome formed with a lip (bb) for keeping a wire (c) in position and which wire is twisted so as to form two loops (dd), by which the dome may be fastened over the fruit.

  FRUIT GATHERER

  1845

  Fig. 1. elevation of the instrument in its complete state Fig. 2. sectional elevation Fig. 3. top plan

  (A) is a tube one half of which is cut away from the rest, forming a hinged section (a). By pulling the cord (C) the device opens to receive the fruit. (D) is a knife edge which serves on bringing the two halves together to sever the fruit from any stalk by which it is attached to the tree.

  DESIGN FOR A FLOWER- AND FRUIT-GATHERER

  1857

  The “Gatherer” is fixed in a stem or handle (a) – (b) is a stationary nipper against which the moveable blade (c) cuts – (d) is a moveable upper connected to the blade (c) – (e) is a link to cause the blade (c) to have a sliding or sawing motion whilst closing – (f) is a string by pulling and closing which the flower or fruit may be cut. The purpose is to enable a person to gather and hold flowers or fruit from a distance.

  DESIGN FOR THE BOTTOM OF A KETTLE OR SAUCEPAN

  1846

  DESIGN FOR A SWING KETTLE-STAND

  1858

  DESIGN FOR AN EXPANDING DINING-TABLE*

  1851

  DESIGN FOR SPLIT BOTTLE*

  1861

  DESIGN FOR SHOWER-BATH

  1849

  DESIGN FOR AN IMPROVED PICKLE-FORK

  1860

  DESIGN FOR NOISELESS CORNICE-POLE AND RING*

  1852

  DESIGN FOR THE HAND HARD LABOR MACHINE

  1852

  This design consists in a novel configuration of an Instrument intended to be worked by Prisoners who are condemned to hard labour.

  The world of work was transformed for most social groups over the course of the nineteenth century. New places of work and methods of working – in factories, offices and shops – changed society and traditional ways of life. Most dramatic was the shift from agricultural labour towards work in the cities. In the first half of the century agriculture was the largest single area of employment, but by 1901 it accounted for only 6.4 per cent of national income. By that time 80 per cent of the population lived in urban areas – a greater number than in any other European country.1

  Agricultural work was poorly paid and insecure, a situation that grew worse as steam-powered agricultural machinery became more widely used. The huge growth in the manufacturing industries – including textile mills, mining and iron works – and increasing opportunities for work in a huge range of industries in London meant that urban populations grew dramatically as labourers left the land to look for more secure and better-paid work.

  A series of Factory Acts sought to improve the appalling conditions that existed in factories in the first half of the century. Legislation was introduced to protect children from abuse and mistreatment, reduce working hours (to ten a day), improve health and safety, and introduce routine inspections. Despite this legislation, the work could still be brutal. The health of workers could be permanently damaged by repetitive movements performed over many hours, by inhaling cotton dust or other fragments, and by heat or damp. Exposure to chemicals such as the lead in pottery works or the white phosphorus in matchmaking, which caused the condition known as ‘phossy jaw’, could lead to horrific diseases and disabilities.2

  A Ventilator for Buildings, 1844

  The workforce in the textile mills was made up primarily of women aged between fourteen and twenty-five. By contrast, in the iron and steel industries the heavy and dangerous work was done almost entirely by men. Segregation between masters and factory hands was often absolute: one worker told the Morning Chronicle: ‘I have worked in that mill, sir, these nineteen years, and the master never spoke to me once.’3 Factory workers always lived close to their places of work and would be called to their shifts at set times by whistles. Although highly regimented, with hard work and long hours, factory work offered reliable wages and freedom at the end of the working day.

  As manufacturing machinery became more sophisticated, more and more processes became industrialized, so that as well as the major industries there were increasing numbers of smaller factories making consumer goods. This trend is reflected in the inventions registered for copyright, which attempt labour-saving solutions for a range of tasks, from folding paper bags to feeding poultry.

  The rise in machine-made goods also changed the way of life of existing urban populations. Many working-class families used to produce ‘piecework’ – items or parts of items were produced within the home – but with work increasingly factory-based, working life became more regimented. Among the middle classes, too, work and home became increasingly separated as people chose to move out to the suburbs and commute into work in the cities.

  The class-consciousness that pervaded all aspects of Victorian life was nowhere more evident than in attitudes towards people’s occupations. All groups were anxious to live in the style appropriate to their social station, and in all social groups a desire to maintain ‘respectability’ was paramount. A junior clerk might earn less and have less regulated working conditions than a skilled manual worker, but he would consider himself to be a member of the middle classes because he did not work with his hands. The expansion of the middle classes led to a rise in the number of people able to afford servants, who became a sign of social status. By 1901 domestic service was not only the largest employer of women in the country, but with over one and a half million people, it formed the largest occupational grouping of any kind.4