The Victorian era was a hotbed of invention and innovation. Scientists, scholars, inventors and everyday folks came up with thousands of ideas for new products and problem-solvers. Many of these products can still be found in our homes today. Many others, however, were clearly (and thankfully) not destined to get much farther than the drawing board. Here is a look at some of the more peculiar Victorian inventions that, fortunately, never became a reality.

Some Curious Inventions (The Strand, 1891B)

A four-poster bed that can be converted into a shower bath; personal balloon chairs to avert sea-sickness; an electric hat designed to cure headaches; a cloak that doubles as a tent; and many other interesting ideas that never made it much farther than the patent office.

The Evolution of the Cycle (The Strand, 1892B)

"Let us... amuse ourselves by contemplating the various extinct species [of bicycle]--those developments which have somehow taken the wrong turning in the course of evolution, have then stopped, and, as rare fossils, are now only looked at as rarities and curiosities." Judging by the illustrations of these precursors of our bicycle, we should be grateful that they did, indeed, stop!

Inventions Overdue, by Arnold White (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1894)

Much has been invented, this author notes, but there is still room for more - he eagerly awaits such inventions as instantaneous transportation, the harvesting of volcanic energy for home heating, noiseless pavements, and... colour photography! (Well, at least he wouldn't have been completely disappointed!)

Eccentric Ideas, by James Scott (The Strand, 1895A)

Some suggested inventions, including a hat that would repel falling bricks; another that would expand into a sort of umbrella; and moats to deter burglars from entering city homes and shops.

Strange Devices, by James Scott (The Strand, 1895A)

Such Victorian oddities as a goldfish tank in which the fish can literally ring for supper, and a candle that explodes to reveal a ghost!

Nose-Improvers, by L.S. Lewis (The Strand, 1896B)

Devices designed to clamp upon your nose to make it longer, shorter, straighter, or whatever you may desire. Perhaps this should not be tried at home.

The Pleasure Telephone, by Arthur Mee (The Strand, 1898B)

Imagine being able to receive news, entertainment, music, sports events, and sermons broadcast over a telephone! Oh, wait... Actually, this was a prediction that would have to wait until the 20th century and the radio to "come true" - and then wait for the cell phone of the 21st century to come back around to "the pleasure telephone" once again.

Military Novelties, by James Scott (Strand, 1901B)

A host of inventions for the "modern" military, from helmets that turn rainwater into drinking water, to spinning fans meant to deflect bullets.

See also

• Inventions

• The Gatherer