A new book, Inventions That Didn’t Change the World, catalogues some unusual inventions registered with the British government in the 19th century. Author Julie Halls, a designs specialist at the National Archives in London, has unearthed a treasure trove of self-ventilating hats, boot warmers, hairbrushing machines and improved pickle forks, all taken from the leather-bound volumes of the Design Registry.
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| The Duplex Hat of 1878, which can transform from a top hat to a bowler as if by magic |
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A diving suit with a bath plug at crotch level (1870), ‘for the purpose of allowing
the Diver to urinate without taking off his entire dress.’ |
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| The Anti-Garotting Cravat, 1862 |
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The Lunette Parasol or Umbrella (1844), also known as an umbrella
with added peep holes |
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