Nineteenth Century
Animal Trap
Jason Alexander Williams didn't mess around when it came to killing rodents. His 'animal trap' (patented in 1882) shot them dead:The object of my invention is to provide a means by which animals which burrow in the ground can be destroyed, and which trap will give an alarm each time that it goes off, so that it can be reset.
And his invention didn't just kill rodents. Williams noted:
Posted By: Alex - Sun Jun 21, 2020 -
Comments (1)
Category: Animals, Inventions, Patents, Nineteenth Century
Novel Device for Stopping a Runaway Horse
If you read the words on the "counterweight," they say, "Recommendations for Reichenbach's Tile Drains." So this is a humorous advertisement rather than an actual patent. But I would not be surprised if someone somewhere had come up with such an idea.
Source.
Posted By: Paul - Sun Jun 07, 2020 -
Comments (2)
Category: Animals, Business, Advertising, Humor, Nineteenth Century
A Scrap-Book for Homely Women Only
Harper's Weekly - Mar 22, 1884
Posted By: Alex - Tue May 26, 2020 -
Comments (6)
Category: Beauty, Ugliness and Other Aesthetic Issues, Advertising, Nineteenth Century
Jigsaw Puzzles with Whimsy Pieces
In this pandemic era, jigsaw puzzles have seen increased popularity. But I was unaware of the tradition of "whimsy" pieces, components that exhibit naturalistic shapes. I encountered the notion in an old issue of LIFE magazine.
Then I found out there are modern makers. Here are a couple.
Maker.
Maker.
Posted By: Paul - Sun May 24, 2020 -
Comments (1)
Category: Art, Puzzles, Nineteenth Century
Frederick Newbery’s long-distance milk pipes
Frederick Newbery envisioned pipes transporting milk underground from farms directly into cities. He received a patent for this idea in 1874 (No. 148,620). Though as far as I know, his long-distance milk pipes were never put into practice.
Posted By: Alex - Sun May 17, 2020 -
Comments (3)
Category: Inventions, Patents, Nineteenth Century
Medicated Under Vest
Not only a medical miracle but a fashion statement as well."has proven itself to be the very Perfection of Prevention from Pneumonia…. keeping the skin in a most delicious and healthy glow and the internal organs in that healthy and vigorous condition which is the Only Safeguard Against Disease."
Posted By: Alex - Fri May 01, 2020 -
Comments (6)
Category: Fashion, Underwear, Health, Disease, Nineteenth Century
California Vinegar Bitters
As Dave Barry might say, "'California Vinegar Bitters' would make an excellent name for a band."
Posted By: Paul - Thu Apr 23, 2020 -
Comments (3)
Category: Patent Medicines, Nostrums and Snake Oil, Nineteenth Century
Messer’s Inhaling Tube
Essential again in 2020.
Source.
Posted By: Paul - Sat Apr 18, 2020 -
Comments (2)
Category: Patent Medicines, Nostrums and Snake Oil, Nineteenth Century
Family Feud
Source.More on the Dyotts, here and here.
Posted By: Paul - Fri Mar 27, 2020 -
Comments (0)
Category: Crime, Family, Patent Medicines, Nostrums and Snake Oil, Nineteenth Century
Anti-Fut-Swet
It "Hardens the feet".
Chattanooga Daily Times - June 11, 1898
Posted By: Alex - Fri Mar 13, 2020 -
Comments (5)
Category: Advertising, Nineteenth Century, Feet
| Who We Are |
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| Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over thirty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. He has recently begun blogging on many curious topics with three fellow writers at The Inferior 4+1. Contact Us |