There are eras that have undoubtedly marked a before and after in the history of humanity. Times in which developments have taken place from which the world simply changed. Between 1837 and 1901, Queen Victoria ruled Great Britain and a vast empire. It was a time when humanity laid the foundations for numerous scientific and social advances. However, her innovative spirit sometimes bordered on the unbelievable. Today in Supercurioso we dare to set sail the research ship, to tell you about some of the inventions of the Victorian era, that will surely surprise you. Let us begin!
7 Victorian Inventions You Should Know About
The first thing we must bear in mind before launching into an exploration of the inventions of the Victorian era is that at that time the inventors were considered true national heroes. From there came a collective motivation: there were many who wanted to create artifacts that were useful and recognized in a massive way. In fact, it is from this time that some of the most important inventions in history date, which we still use today.
Devices were created that facilitated the most domestic tasks at home. Good examples of this are the iron, the vacuum cleaner or the electric oven. They were also responsible for the invention of the can opener and the electric kettle that, with modifications and evolution, we continue to use to this day.
But beyond these creations, provided with all logic and functionality and that are still valid in the modern world, the Victorian era was also the ideal time for absurd inventions to emerge, creative and very funny.
Although many of them were less useful than thought In the first instance, they have remained in history as a reference of imagination and creativity. Let’s see the nicest of them.
1. Bathtubs with waves
One of the most unique inventions of the Victorian era was the peculiar bathtubs with waves. The Victorians believed that bathing in water by the sea or in fast-flowing rivers was very beneficial to health.
But, Traveling to spas or coastal places to take the waters was very costly, both in terms of money and time. This led to the invention of a kind of bathtub that reproduced the waves or currents. There were many different designs depending on the manufacturers. Certainly very curious.
2. The purse glove
Another of the nicest inventions of the Victorian era was the purse glove. It was about an elegant white glove, which in addition to covering the hand allowed to keep the wallet inside.
It was an invention that was used with some popularity, although history did not clearly record whether it was a method of prevent theftor was it an artifact that simply I was looking for comfort.
3. Mugs for gentlemen with a mustache
Another of the nicest inventions of the Victorian era were the mugs for gentlemen with mustaches. Let us remember that during the reign of Queen Victoria many gentlemen sported waxed mustaches.
They spent a lot of money and care to make their mustaches look silky and lush, but when drinking, in many cases, they ended up wet, they lost their poise and were dull. To remedy this, Adams Harvey invented a cup like the one you can see in the image above.
The small surface served so that the mustache was stopped in it and did not submerge in the drink. Spoons with a similar protection were also devised. All of these items became obsolete after World War I, as men began to shave off their mustaches.
4. The corset of voluptuousness
And one of our favorites among the inventions of the Victorian era is the corset of voluptuousness. It is a very peculiar garment, created by F. Parsons in 1881.
What made this garment different from the rest of the corsets, which had been used for many years, is that their cups were inflated through a tube. This achieved the appearance of larger breasts.. The predecessor of breast augmentation surgeries?… There are opinions!
5. The Cholera Belt
During the 19th century and practically until the middle of the 20th century, many people believed that diseases such as dysentery or cholera They came for a cold stomach. So one of the most peculiar inventions of the Victorian era, had as its purpose prevent the spread of this deadly disease.
Cloth bands were invented that were tied around the belly and it was believed that they prevented this type of evil. They were called “cholera belts” and for a time were part of the basic equipment of soldiers marching to the front.
6. The air-conditioned top hat
If we are talking about creativity, the funny top hat with air conditioning deserves a special place in this list of the most curious inventions of the Victorian era. Let us remember that a key point in the fashion of the time, was the use of these elegant hats.
So, it became a concern for the British to wear a ventilated head, without sacrificing their favorite accessory. It was out of this need that this rare artifact was born, in which a metal grid was included at the top, which went through the fabric. That way the air could circulatekeeping hair fresh and without losing elegance.
7. The Electrophone
And we close our journey through the rarest inventions of the time of Queen Victoria, with the electrophone. They were devices through which the user could listen to news, theatrical performances, religious services, among others. The most famous of them was the one dedicated to the theater and was known as “theatrophone”one of the most successful inventions of the Victorian era.
To use it, the user had to call their telephone operator and ask them to connect with Electrophone and, once connected, they asked them to put what they wanted to hear, whether it was music, theater, news or any other audition they offered by subscription. This service disappeared when radio broadcasts began on a regular basis.
And you, Did you know these curious inventions of the Victorian era? What did you think? Can you imagine wearing a corset to increase the size of your bra? Or perhaps drinking your coffee in a mug that doesn’t threaten your beard and mustache? Some of these creations were really clever, and others totally useless, albeit fun.
If you want to know more about this time in history, you may want to read the post in which we tell you about what it was like to be a child in the Victorian era. It will surprise you! Or if you prefer to continue learning about inventions, be sure to read our entry on creations made by women. We meet in a next super curious topic!