Overview

This illustrated work examines inventions and discoveries made by women, beginning with the first patent application made in 1637 and ending with the outbreak of war in 1914. Accounts of the stories of the inventions are placed into the context in which their discoveries were made, and the struggle they had to acquire patents and put their inventions into production. In covering this previously obscure part of women's lives, the practical way in which women have made an enormous contribution to social change and scientific advance is revealed.

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9780750930307

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Picture an inventor - a 19th-century man, bearded, backgrounded by a vast bridge ... a railway ... Concorde? Not necessarily. Many were unsung women. One even designed a bridge! But, unsurprisingly, in the early days most of their bright ideas were, to make their own lives easier, in the domestic field: cooking, cleaning, care of children, and the sick. In 1870 American Anna Smith invented the first washing machine. In 1886 the first dishwasher appeared, also from America. Melitta Benz, a German housewife, designed the first coffee filter; Margaret Knight an original (and useful) paper bag. The list is virtually endless, and various. Women were not of course in those early days allowed to patent their own inventions; this was their husbands' privilege - and many husbands also claimed the resultant profit. An unusual, and enlightening, aspect of social history; especially the history of women, who have so often had to fight for their rights. Which they usually, eventually, won! (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

Deborah Jaffe is an author, Photographer and painter. Her subjects are diverse and include Henry V111, Queen Victoria, Masks, the Construction of books and photomontage. She appeared as a Great Exhibition expert on Channel 4's History Huntersand on Women's Hour to discuss woman and technology in the 19th century. Her paintings are in private collection in Britain and Europe.

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