Saturday, August 24, 2024Teagan via PlaygroundWelcome, everyone. I need to begin by reminding everyone that this blog is my sanctuary. I gladly welcome all of you to join me in this safe place. There are no discussions of anything political or religious, nor of any circumstances or things that have been politicized. I freely admit that I’m a blogtater. This is not a forum for debate or critique. If you have a self-important or passive aggressive remark, then keep it to yourself — because this is not the blog for you. Like I said, it’s my sanctuary.Now that the business is out of the way, back to this post. I’m still working to finish “Real Steampunkery Tech: True Contraptions of the Steam and Diesel Eras.” I keep finding more odd and awesome inventions and people that I want to add. In between working on that book, I wanted to share another of the forgotten women inventors who captured my imagination. She came up with the most extraordinary combinations of contraptions.
Ella Gaillard
Teagan via PlaygroundAllow me to introduce Ella Gaillard. The kind of mind that could conceive a combination paperweight, calendar, and musical watch just fascinates me. However, there was a serious side to her innovations as well. In 1874, Ella Gaillard invented a medical device that would continue to be used by surgeons for… well, a version that doesn’t seem to have been altered much is still used today. I wasn’t able to confirm her birth and death records, but she was active from 1874 – 1892. In 1912, Ms. Gaillard was described as a woman who had, “distinguished herself by many inventions… (including) the eyeless needle now used so largely by surgeons.” Her needle had a mechanism for screwing suture into the blunt end of the needle.Teagan via PlaygroundEyed needles had been around in surgery since 30,000 BC, and Greek surgeons had used suturing since 1600 BC. Perhaps that’s why her invention seemed so revolutionary in 1874 that it took another 50 years for it to be commonly used by surgeons of her day. While living in San Francisco, Ella came up with what she called the Eureka Needle. It was a simple innovation that eliminated the need to double the surgical thread. That of course, is unavoidable when using an ordinary needle. Using a single strand of thread reduced trauma to tissue as well as scarring. It also saved time by removing the tedious task of threading the needle. Eyeless needles continued to be widely used in modern surgery.Ella moved around a bit, living in San Francisco, New York City, and Maryland. She created at least 15 inventions, and was granted patents on eight of them. Her other inventions included a combination paperweight, calendar, and musical watch. However, whether or not it was ever commercialized is unclear. In 1885 she invented a music box that incorporated a “portable fountain” from which water spouted while the music box played.
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Coming Soon!
As I mentioned previously, I’ll soon add another volume to my Author Tool Chestcollection. It’s a summary overview of unexpected, odd, and downright freakish inventions of bygone days. Also, a little further down the line is Speak Daddy-O: Slang of the 1950s.
Real Steampunkery Tech:
True Contraptions of the Steam and Diesel Eras
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Thanks for taking a step into a bygone era with me. I hope you’re imagining the sense of wonder a musical fountain would have caused in those days. Friendly comments are encouraged. Hugs!
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This was a lovely and informational post, Teagan. Women have always played an instrumental role in shaping the world and societies. Your post reminded me of Anandi Gopal Joshi. While not many Indians know about her, unless they saw a recent biographical movie on her, but she defied all odds and became the first female doctor to graduate from the US back in 1886. She did her graduation at Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania when girls back in India were not even allowed to study primary education. She was married at the age of 9 and delivered a baby boy (at age 14) who died ten days after delivery. While most girls would break down under trauma or give up as fate, she chose to not let this happen to other girls and took up a decision to study medicine. She died at a very tender age of 21 of tuberculosis but she inspired a generation of young women to be independent.
Wow. Just to imagine the things she might have achieved if she had not died so young. What a tragedy. Thanks for joining the conversation. Hugs to you and Sarah.
There’s a famous movie dialog I remember which says – It doesn’t matter if the first drop of rain evaporates or stays quenching the thirst of a scorching earth, what matters is the rain storm that follows that drop.
Hi Teagan, this is a fascinating post! I’ve never heard of Ella before and what an invention. I always love reading about successful women. It’s empowering for all of us, so thanks for sharing! Hope you have a great weekend! xo
Thanks for this wonderful comment, Lauren. In working on my (coming soon) nonfiction book about unusual inventions, I ran across an unexpected number of forgotten women inventors. I’ve added a bonus section exclusively for those innovators. A wonderful long weekend to you too. Hugs..
HI Teagan, this is so interesting. I have honestly never thought about the needles used for surgery. Even though my sons have had 40 operations between them or perhaps because of that. What a clever invention. The other inventions sound very feminine and pretty. I hope you are well and the cats full of fun.
I don’t think anyone here had thought about it, Robbie. She had huge “critical thinking skills” to come up with it. Velma meowed (for attention) right on cue to your good wishes. LOL. Recently I put together a game I played with my cats years ago… get a large piece of brown packing paper, tear a few tiny holes in the paper. Then get long “bendy” straws to run under the paper, letting the straws stick their “heads” up through the holes. (That’s why they need to be bendable straws.). Daphne and Velma are obsessed with the game and insist on playing several times a day. Hugs to you and Queen Push Push.
Yes she did. Amazing. Push-Push would like this game too. I just got home from my bush trip so she is sulking. When she starts ‘speaking’ to me again, I may try it with her.
That’s very true. The best evening gown I ever made had a skirt that was yards and yards of at least a dozen long “handkerchiefs” — made from a unique chiffon that had an almost (but not quite) ribbed texture (and luminous opalescent threads woven through it). For some reason that fabric was even more slippery than other chiffons. It also didn’t like the effects of pins or needles. So, I know what you mean. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs winging back to you.
I wish I had kept a picture of it. The top was basically a long straight sleeve, “shift” micro-mini (in regard to the pattern, too short to be a dress without the handkerchiefs) made of a kind of taffeta I’ve never seen before. Forest green with a tiny (again) rib-like texture (sort of like twill, but not quite). I’ve never seen the like of either fabric again. I made it for a black-tie Christmas party (company where my psycho ex-husband worked). That gown turned heads. When I knew that it would never fit me again, I donated it. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep any photos that connected to him, including the one of the gown. It didn’t show the gown very well anyway. He always intentionally “cut my head off” in any photo he took. Knowing what he was about to do (and very much wanting a pic of that gown) I suddenly stooped to pet the cat, so that all of me would be in the shot. Oh well… onward.
Onward!
and good riddance to your lesser person.
The gown sounds fab!
Were they big handkerchiefs or scarves?
Did it come to your ankles?
It sounds like a bengaline, which was popular in Victorian times. It was wildly popular in black for mourning wear.
It was still around, made a bit of an altered comeback in WWII in rayon and in the 50’s.
I found a piece in black at the back of a jobbers about 10 years ago. I almost needed a machete to get through the cobwebs.
I’d say the fabric was from the 70’s.
You can’t buy that or many other fabrics any more. People want instant fit (stretch in the fabric) easy care (washer/dryer/non iron).
Now, we have textile pollution. #2 to plastic bottles.
The handkerchiefs were big squares. Their points came to my ankles. I had to sew all the top points together with a loose stitch and then gather it. Hemming them was a slippery nightmare, but I knew the result would be worth it.
I’m not familiar with the word Bengal one — maybe. It was sometime between 1990 and 1995. It was really a simple design, but looked complicated.
I love visiting your place, Teagan. Every post is life-affirming! I have never heard of Ella Gaillard before so many many thanks for the introduction. As you wrote, there is very little written (I went on a mini research rabbit hole to find out more) about her and yet we owe her a debt of gratitude for what she created. So many stories held in the folds of history. I am thankful that you shook out some of those folds to introduce this remarkable woman!
Thanks, Rebecca. The mind that could come up with those combination inventions… I would love to know more about her life, and what shaped her thought process. I’m happy you enjoyed this post.
It really slowed down the publication of “Real Steampunkery Tech” when I was inspired to add the Forgotten Women Inventors section, but I feel good about including it. I added a special (longer than the other mini-bios) feature for Hedy Lamar. You’d enjoy a “research rabbit hole” about her too. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs on the wing!
Wow, Teagan, what a fascinating woman. Despite all the social forces holding them back, some women had the courage and imagination to shine. A music box/fountain? Love it. Thanks for sharing and best to you as you finish up your book!
It’s good to see you, Brenda. I’m delighted you enjoyed this post. I decided to add a bonus section for Forgotten Women Inventors to the Steampunkery Tech book, because I enjoyed this research so much. Hugs.
I have never thought nor seen a surgical needle used (so I had to google that} …I love music boxes and a music box with a fountain how beautiful…a delightful post, Teagan Hugs x
A music box with a fountain! I would love to see that.
My brothers and I were very familiar with stitches provided by her needle as children. Thank you Ella! (K)
What an eye-opener of a post. I have had plenty of surgery but, probably because I tried to keep my eyes closed throughout or they were closed for me, I have never really seen, or thought about, the needles. After reading your post I must now say thank heavens for Ella and her Eureka needle. And I also must say, as the Gen Z do, I ‘j’adore’ the illustrations you created for this post.
You are so kind, Mandy — I’m happy you enjoyed the images. When I typed in the prompt/description, I couldn’t imagine what craziness the software would come up with, LOL! But it didn’t do anything outrageous, for once.
I had never thought about the needles either. It seems there are so many marvels that we take for granted. Many thanks for reading and commenting. Big hugs.
Hi, John. The eyeless needle seems a world away from the other things. It makes me wonder what other contraptions she might have come up with, given the chance. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
Thanks, Noelle. I appreciate this lovely comment. Ha! Every time my car needs service, or the house needs a repair, or the lawn needs something, I feel like we’re still in those times… Hugs.
Hi, Samantha. I’m delighted that you’re enjoying these posts. Yes, she must have been fun in conversations, considering the ways her brain must have worked. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
Hi, Deborah. Yep — I’ve had the threading problem lately too. I used to be so good at it. It makes me remember a particular psychology class in the 1980s where the lesson was about “geriatrics” and how our senses begin to respond differently. Ugh! Now I’m geriatric… because I’m recognizing some of those things! Wishing you a great weekend too. Hugs.
Very nice and excellent story of Ella. She sounds like a wonderful person creative and innovative and so many patents she has made. Hats off to her. Thanks Teagan never knew anything about her.👍👍👍
I’ve had some, and seen even more (when a kitty gets spayed), but the fact that the thread wasn’t doubled (and so the needle would be different) never registered with me. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs.
Thanks, Kymber. I agree that it’s really extraordinary. I can’t help thinking that she must have had remarkably good eyesight to figure out how to make it. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
You’ve introduced us readers to another fascinating person. We hear of big names like Thomas Edison, but loads of others have invented items. And Ella Gaillard sounds like she was brilliant to come up with improvements on things. Her Eureka Needle surely helped surgeons with their job — as well as patients with their healing. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend, Teagan 🌞
Thanks so much, Dave. It’s funny you should say that. I was telling an offline friend about the Steampunkery Tech book and the *little-known* women inventors section I’m adding. She excitedly recommended Marie Curie… I didn’t say anything. Wishing you a brilliant weekend too. Hugs.
Hi, GP. When I read about most of these, I can’t help thinking of the saying “Truth is stranger than fiction.” Although even the “odd” creations of the women inventors have been much more practical than the zanier ones of the men. At least Ella’s combination paperweight, calendar, and musical watch would have been convenient. And the music box/portable fountain would have been ascetically pleasing. But the mono-cycle, and fence cycle… a hat-tipping machine… Although I suppose a man from that era might understand why those were so useful. LOL. Hugs.
I love reading about people who solved problems that others just didn’t find any interest in. Ella had a great idea, and it couldn’t have been easy for a woman of that era to pursue it. Well done Ella and thank you, Teagan for sharing this. Looking forward to the books, but add as much as you like. I hope you have a great weekend.
Thanks, Dan. You’ve hit what might be the main obstacle faced by any inventor — getting corporations to be interested. I can’t help wondering how many inventions, which would be loved by different groups of people, were ignored because some executives personally couldn’t see their relevance. Many thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
I worked for a guy who (as a consultant) recommended against a client acquiring Talon. They wanted the retail distribution rights for Velcro. He said, “Velcro is nothing more than a fad.” Fortunately, they ignored him.
I vaguely remember articles saying that Velcro wouldn’t be around very long. I had forgotten that. It’s everywhere now. Interesting. Have a great new week, Dan. Cheers.
I know the needles (I studied Medicine and did a stint at surgery as a student) but had no idea a woman had invented them. We didn’t dedicate much time to the history of it, and I doubt many (if any) of the surgeons knew about it either. She sounds like another fascinating woman, and what an imagination! Thanks for bringing her to our attention, Teagan. Your book will be fascinating! Have lovely weekend and say hi to the Scoobies for me. ♥
Oh, that’s right! Olga, I realize that psychiatrists are also MDs, but I wasn’t thinking about it. I think that when items that are commonplace to us, well, those are the ones to which we give the least thought. I tried to include a few like that in the book. A wonderful weekend to you as well. Hugs from the Scoobies and me. ❤
Teagan's Books 
What a service she did to the medical profession to invent a way to decrease tissue damage and scarring as the result of stitches or sutures!
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Indeed, an unsung heroine. Hugs.
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This was a lovely and informational post, Teagan. Women have always played an instrumental role in shaping the world and societies. Your post reminded me of Anandi Gopal Joshi. While not many Indians know about her, unless they saw a recent biographical movie on her, but she defied all odds and became the first female doctor to graduate from the US back in 1886. She did her graduation at Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania when girls back in India were not even allowed to study primary education. She was married at the age of 9 and delivered a baby boy (at age 14) who died ten days after delivery. While most girls would break down under trauma or give up as fate, she chose to not let this happen to other girls and took up a decision to study medicine. She died at a very tender age of 21 of tuberculosis but she inspired a generation of young women to be independent.
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Wow. Just to imagine the things she might have achieved if she had not died so young. What a tragedy. Thanks for joining the conversation. Hugs to you and Sarah.
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There’s a famous movie dialog I remember which says – It doesn’t matter if the first drop of rain evaporates or stays quenching the thirst of a scorching earth, what matters is the rain storm that follows that drop.
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That’s a fabulous quote. I love it. 🙂
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Hi Teagan, this is a fascinating post! I’ve never heard of Ella before and what an invention. I always love reading about successful women. It’s empowering for all of us, so thanks for sharing! Hope you have a great weekend! xo
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Thanks for this wonderful comment, Lauren. In working on my (coming soon) nonfiction book about unusual inventions, I ran across an unexpected number of forgotten women inventors. I’ve added a bonus section exclusively for those innovators. A wonderful long weekend to you too. Hugs..
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You’re welcome, Teagan, and your book sounds intriguing and fascinating! Women need more recognition, in my opinion. Wishing you the same! xoxo
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HI Teagan, this is so interesting. I have honestly never thought about the needles used for surgery. Even though my sons have had 40 operations between them or perhaps because of that. What a clever invention. The other inventions sound very feminine and pretty. I hope you are well and the cats full of fun.
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I don’t think anyone here had thought about it, Robbie. She had huge “critical thinking skills” to come up with it. Velma meowed (for attention) right on cue to your good wishes. LOL. Recently I put together a game I played with my cats years ago… get a large piece of brown packing paper, tear a few tiny holes in the paper. Then get long “bendy” straws to run under the paper, letting the straws stick their “heads” up through the holes. (That’s why they need to be bendable straws.). Daphne and Velma are obsessed with the game and insist on playing several times a day. Hugs to you and Queen Push Push.
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Yes she did. Amazing. Push-Push would like this game too. I just got home from my bush trip so she is sulking. When she starts ‘speaking’ to me again, I may try it with her.
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Amazing. I’m really enjoying this series, Teagan. I’d love to see a music box that featured a tiny fountain. Hugs to you and the Scoobies!
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Thanks, Teri. I’m happy you like it. I’m looking forward to your new book, and to Bad Moon Rising! Hugs winging back to you.
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Never would I dare politicize a Teagan post with your rock solid posts! It sounds so intriguing. All the best with the finished wrap up! ❣️
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Thank you kindly, Cindy. I know most people don’t mean any harm, but still… Thanks for the good wishes. Hugs.
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Amazing and fascinating, Teagan.
What a woman! The eyeless needle is brilliant. Even just sewing certain fabrics can be tricky when the thread is doubled out of the eye.
Happy writing! Hugs!
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That’s very true. The best evening gown I ever made had a skirt that was yards and yards of at least a dozen long “handkerchiefs” — made from a unique chiffon that had an almost (but not quite) ribbed texture (and luminous opalescent threads woven through it). For some reason that fabric was even more slippery than other chiffons. It also didn’t like the effects of pins or needles. So, I know what you mean. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs winging back to you.
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Oh yes!
Certain fabrics can be a B!t@h.
Still, the eye needle is all I can buy at the store.
OMG, your “handkerchiefs” gown sounds amazing!
Hugs!
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I wish I had kept a picture of it. The top was basically a long straight sleeve, “shift” micro-mini (in regard to the pattern, too short to be a dress without the handkerchiefs) made of a kind of taffeta I’ve never seen before. Forest green with a tiny (again) rib-like texture (sort of like twill, but not quite). I’ve never seen the like of either fabric again. I made it for a black-tie Christmas party (company where my psycho ex-husband worked). That gown turned heads. When I knew that it would never fit me again, I donated it. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep any photos that connected to him, including the one of the gown. It didn’t show the gown very well anyway. He always intentionally “cut my head off” in any photo he took. Knowing what he was about to do (and very much wanting a pic of that gown) I suddenly stooped to pet the cat, so that all of me would be in the shot. Oh well… onward.
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Onward!
and good riddance to your lesser person.
The gown sounds fab!
Were they big handkerchiefs or scarves?
Did it come to your ankles?
It sounds like a bengaline, which was popular in Victorian times. It was wildly popular in black for mourning wear.
It was still around, made a bit of an altered comeback in WWII in rayon and in the 50’s.
I found a piece in black at the back of a jobbers about 10 years ago. I almost needed a machete to get through the cobwebs.
I’d say the fabric was from the 70’s.
You can’t buy that or many other fabrics any more. People want instant fit (stretch in the fabric) easy care (washer/dryer/non iron).
Now, we have textile pollution. #2 to plastic bottles.
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The handkerchiefs were big squares. Their points came to my ankles. I had to sew all the top points together with a loose stitch and then gather it. Hemming them was a slippery nightmare, but I knew the result would be worth it.
I’m not familiar with the word Bengal one — maybe. It was sometime between 1990 and 1995. It was really a simple design, but looked complicated.
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It sounds fab!
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I love, love this, Teagan!! Thank you for introducing us to Ella, and her marvelous mind and inventions.
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Hi, Jennie. I’m so glad you had a good time with this post. Have a wonderful week. Big hugs.
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I did! Have a great week, Teagan. Hugs!
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I love visiting your place, Teagan. Every post is life-affirming! I have never heard of Ella Gaillard before so many many thanks for the introduction. As you wrote, there is very little written (I went on a mini research rabbit hole to find out more) about her and yet we owe her a debt of gratitude for what she created. So many stories held in the folds of history. I am thankful that you shook out some of those folds to introduce this remarkable woman!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Rebecca. The mind that could come up with those combination inventions… I would love to know more about her life, and what shaped her thought process. I’m happy you enjoyed this post.
It really slowed down the publication of “Real Steampunkery Tech” when I was inspired to add the Forgotten Women Inventors section, but I feel good about including it. I added a special (longer than the other mini-bios) feature for Hedy Lamar. You’d enjoy a “research rabbit hole” about her too. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs on the wing!
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You have the BEST Rabbit Holes, Teagan!!
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Haha! That made me laugh out loud, Rebecca. I’m about to reblog a new collaboration with Tim Price. Stay tuned. ❤
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Wow, Teagan, what a fascinating woman. Despite all the social forces holding them back, some women had the courage and imagination to shine. A music box/fountain? Love it. Thanks for sharing and best to you as you finish up your book!
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I’d be really curious to know more about the life that shaped her thought process, Diana. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
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I loved learning about Ella Gaillard! The picture is beautiful, Teagan, and I can imagine the wonder of the musical box fountain. Brilliant women!
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It’s good to see you, Brenda. I’m delighted you enjoyed this post. I decided to add a bonus section for Forgotten Women Inventors to the Steampunkery Tech book, because I enjoyed this research so much. Hugs.
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I have never thought nor seen a surgical needle used (so I had to google that} …I love music boxes and a music box with a fountain how beautiful…a delightful post, Teagan Hugs x
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Hi, Carol. I’m delighted you enjoyed this. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful whimsical thing to see? Hugs winging back to you.
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Absolutely, Teagan 🙂 x
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A music box with a fountain! I would love to see that.
My brothers and I were very familiar with stitches provided by her needle as children. Thank you Ella! (K)
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I’d love to see one too, Kerfe. I can’t help trying to imagine how it would work. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
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What an eye-opener of a post. I have had plenty of surgery but, probably because I tried to keep my eyes closed throughout or they were closed for me, I have never really seen, or thought about, the needles. After reading your post I must now say thank heavens for Ella and her Eureka needle. And I also must say, as the Gen Z do, I ‘j’adore’ the illustrations you created for this post.
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You are so kind, Mandy — I’m happy you enjoyed the images. When I typed in the prompt/description, I couldn’t imagine what craziness the software would come up with, LOL! But it didn’t do anything outrageous, for once.
I had never thought about the needles either. It seems there are so many marvels that we take for granted. Many thanks for reading and commenting. Big hugs.
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What a fascinating woman. Thank you for sharing, Teagan!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Jan. Have a wonderful new week. Hugs.
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She was a remarkable woman. Thank you for bringing her accomplishments to light.
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Hi, John. The eyeless needle seems a world away from the other things. It makes me wonder what other contraptions she might have come up with, given the chance. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
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That is a good thing to wonder, Teagan. I’ll bet she could have come up with a lot of discoveries if she had the time.
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So glad you found her and could let us know of her accomplishments. Especially during a time when women were thought not to have brains! Brava!
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Thanks, Noelle. I appreciate this lovely comment. Ha! Every time my car needs service, or the house needs a repair, or the lawn needs something, I feel like we’re still in those times… Hugs.
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Gosh,m I know the feeling. I am tired of being treated like the ‘little woman.” So I give them my credentials and dare them to challenge me! 🙂
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That’s it!
Happy birthday, Noelle! Many happy returns. Big birthday hugs to you.
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Ella sounds like quite a women. These are so interesting!
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Hi, Samantha. I’m delighted that you’re enjoying these posts. Yes, she must have been fun in conversations, considering the ways her brain must have worked. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
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An eyeless needle sounds like a very useful tool! I have such trouble thread them the older I get!
She sounds like a fascinating and interesting woman. Thank you for the introduction to her. I hope your week-end is a good one! 🤗
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Hi, Deborah. Yep — I’ve had the threading problem lately too. I used to be so good at it. It makes me remember a particular psychology class in the 1980s where the lesson was about “geriatrics” and how our senses begin to respond differently. Ugh! Now I’m geriatric… because I’m recognizing some of those things!
Wishing you a great weekend too. Hugs.
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Very nice and excellent story of Ella. She sounds like a wonderful person creative and innovative and so many patents she has made. Hats off to her. Thanks Teagan never knew anything about her.👍👍👍
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Thanks for this lovely comment, Kamal. I think she would have been a fun person to know. Have a sparkling weekend. Big hugs.
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Yes she would have been a fun person and so talented she was Teagan. You too have a wonderful weekend 💕😊💕😘
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Nice find and writeup on Ella. I’ve have lots of sutures throughout my life. Now I’m thankful to her for her brilliance and inventiveness.
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I’ve had some, and seen even more (when a kitty gets spayed), but the fact that the thread wasn’t doubled (and so the needle would be different) never registered with me. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs.
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Well done to Ella, and such a bonus that her invention is still being used by surgeons to this day.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Thanks, Pete. Yes, that’s the truly remarkable part. Hugs.
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Teagan, thank you so much for bringing this out of the past. I am simply amazed and proud. 🌺🩷 I think the invention of the Eureka Needle is wonderful!
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Thanks, Kymber. I agree that it’s really extraordinary. I can’t help thinking that she must have had remarkably good eyesight to figure out how to make it. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
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Hugs! xo
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You’ve introduced us readers to another fascinating person. We hear of big names like Thomas Edison, but loads of others have invented items. And Ella Gaillard sounds like she was brilliant to come up with improvements on things. Her Eureka Needle surely helped surgeons with their job — as well as patients with their healing. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend, Teagan 🌞
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Thanks so much, Dave. It’s funny you should say that. I was telling an offline friend about the Steampunkery Tech book and the *little-known* women inventors section I’m adding. She excitedly recommended Marie Curie… I didn’t say anything. Wishing you a brilliant weekend too. Hugs.
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You have gotten me so interested in those eras and inventions, Teagan. I used to think those ideas were those of sci-fi writers, brother was I wrong!!
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Hi, GP. When I read about most of these, I can’t help thinking of the saying “Truth is stranger than fiction.” Although even the “odd” creations of the women inventors have been much more practical than the zanier ones of the men. At least Ella’s combination paperweight, calendar, and musical watch would have been convenient. And the music box/portable fountain would have been ascetically pleasing. But the mono-cycle, and fence cycle… a hat-tipping machine… Although I suppose a man from that era might understand why those were so useful. LOL. Hugs.
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hahha, agreed!!
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I love reading about people who solved problems that others just didn’t find any interest in. Ella had a great idea, and it couldn’t have been easy for a woman of that era to pursue it. Well done Ella and thank you, Teagan for sharing this. Looking forward to the books, but add as much as you like. I hope you have a great weekend.
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Thanks, Dan. You’ve hit what might be the main obstacle faced by any inventor — getting corporations to be interested. I can’t help wondering how many inventions, which would be loved by different groups of people, were ignored because some executives personally couldn’t see their relevance. Many thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
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I worked for a guy who (as a consultant) recommended against a client acquiring Talon. They wanted the retail distribution rights for Velcro. He said, “Velcro is nothing more than a fad.” Fortunately, they ignored him.
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I vaguely remember articles saying that Velcro wouldn’t be around very long. I had forgotten that. It’s everywhere now. Interesting. Have a great new week, Dan. Cheers.
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I found your article really fascinating, dear Teagan💝💝💝
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I’m happy you enjoyed it, Luisa. I enjoy being able to shine a light on worthy people that history ignored. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs. ❤
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Many thanks to you for your precious reply, dear Teagan 💞
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Great post and Ella most certainly fits in with your characters which I love so much. 🙂
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Thanks, Keving. Ella, or especially Frances Gabe would be fun people to turn into fictional characters. Hugs.
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Amazing. Thanks so much for bringing this woman to or attention. xo
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She had remarkable ideas, Darlene. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
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I know the needles (I studied Medicine and did a stint at surgery as a student) but had no idea a woman had invented them. We didn’t dedicate much time to the history of it, and I doubt many (if any) of the surgeons knew about it either. She sounds like another fascinating woman, and what an imagination! Thanks for bringing her to our attention, Teagan. Your book will be fascinating! Have lovely weekend and say hi to the Scoobies for me. ♥
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Oh, that’s right! Olga, I realize that psychiatrists are also MDs, but I wasn’t thinking about it. I think that when items that are commonplace to us, well, those are the ones to which we give the least thought. I tried to include a few like that in the book. A wonderful weekend to you as well. Hugs from the Scoobies and me. ❤
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Fascinating and aren’t they amazing people! Thank you Teagan.
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Thanks, Cindy. There were (and still are) so many brilliant but overlooked women. Hugs.
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