I recently read an article about the film Hysteria, and it got me thinking. Why isn't there much Steampunk fiction about 'female hysteria' and vibrators and such? Perhaps because society has grown beyond that phase, and it might be seen as sexist. Still, I think there are at least a few humorous short stories worth of material available to an author thinking about the early days of the vibrator.
The movie Hysteria is about the invention of the first electric vibrator in 1880 (which, incidentally means it was the fifth household appliance to be electrified, after the sewing machine, fan, tea-kettle and toaster, but before the vacuum cleaner and electric iron). Hand-cranked, spring-wound and yes, steam-powered vibrators had been around for decades however, although I've been unable to locate any pictures (if you find some, please let me know, I'd love to see what a steam vibrator looks like!).
If you're ever in San Fancisco, be sure to stop by the Good Vibrations’ Antique Vibrator Museum for more vibrator history.
4 comments:
Hahaha, I actually recently watched that movie, it is hilarious! & I love that it was invented before the vacuum cleaner, at least someone was seeing women as something other than household slaves ;)
I hope to watch it soon, it's difficult finding a good time with three young kids, sadly I haven't been to an adult film (not that kind of adult!) in a theatre in years.
I used to go once a week, and nearly every night when the film festival was in town.
There's lots of Steampunk erotica, I am sure some even revolves around Hysteria. If you need more however: www.facebook.com/hysteria.begone
Thiss was a lovely blog post
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