National Archives
 Printable version
|
'Inventions that didn't change the world' published
Yesterday saw the official publication of Inventions that didn't change the world, the latest book highlighting some of the fascinating records held at The National Archives.
Julie Halls explores domestic and professional designs registered in the 19th century for such delights as the anti-garotting cravat, a self-ventilating hat, the corset with an inflatable bust and artificial leeches.
As Britain led the world in technological innovation, these quirky lesser known ideas were put to paper with beautifully graphic illustrations and sometimes amusing descriptions giving an insight into the world of amateur inventors.
Many of the inventions were thought up by people trying to make their day jobs easier and were lodged with the Designs Registry. They are now held at The National Archives in leather-bound volumes as part of the BT (Board of Trade) collection.
Design expert Julie will also be looking at the world of lesser-known Victorian inventions and the historical context which gave rise to them at a public talk on 28 October.
