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Objects Of Intrigue

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Underneath this watercolor portrait of Philippine Welser, wife of Archduke Ferdinand II, is a unique canvas made of ultra-thin cobwebs.
objects of intrigue

The Lost Art of Painting on Cobweb Canvases

Monks and peasant artists in the 16th century began this intricate process of re-spinning spider and caterpillar cobwebs.
Lauren Young December 6, 2016
The Chap Record, in which women would record their reviews of gentlemen suitors.
objects of intrigue

Chap Records Were Basically Yelp for 1900s Eligible Bachelorettes

The books helped women keep track of—and review—their suitors.
Rick Paulas December 1, 2016
The lighter-compact combo designed to entice women to switch to Chelsea.
objects of intrigue

The Failed Attempt to Market Sweet-Smelling Cigarettes to Women

Chelsea burned brightly for a few months in 1989.
Ella Morton November 22, 2016
A gramophone burglar alarm.
objects of intrigue

How Gramophones Helped Fight Crime in 1940s Britain

Vinyl to thwart criminals? Believe it.
Mariana Zapata November 15, 2016
A later version of the glass ballot box with a cylindrical shape.
objects of intrigue

How to Solve Voter Fraud, 19th-Century Style: A Glass Ballot Box

It was the best way to achieve literal transparency in democracy.
Mariana Zapata November 8, 2016
This $0.75 parody shinplaster is full of surprises.
objects of intrigue

The Best Political Cartoon In History Is This Fake Banknote from the Panic of 1837

This $.75 bill features a human-faced dung beetle, a donkey pooping money, and Andrew Jackson in flag drag.
Cara Giaimo November 1, 2016
Sometimes, patients would dip the sharp needles into the oil.
objects of intrigue

The 1800s Medical Device That Promised Cures by Repeatedly Stabbing Patients

The Life Awakener contraption gave patients "healing" pustules.
Lauren Young October 18, 2016
objects of intrigue

How to Incorporate Human Remains Into Your Dinner Party

Step one: crush 200 bones into a fine powder.
Lauren Young October 11, 2016
objects of intrigue

This Beautiful Art Nouveau Telescope Can Be Yours

Got a spare $125,000?
Ella Morton October 4, 2016
objects of intrigue

These Autograph Albums Are Filled With Ghostly Inkblots

Can you decipher the signatures within these splattered, ambigious shapes?
Lauren Young September 20, 2016
objects of intrigue

The First Ever Stethoscope Was a Simple Wooden Tube

Happy 200th birthday, respiratory instrument!
Atlas Obscura September 6, 2016
objects of intrigue

One of the 100 Desks in the U.S. Senate Chamber Is Full of Candy

A certain Republican has a sweet secret.
Ella Morton August 30, 2016
objects of intrigue

Joining the Caterpillar Club Is as Easy as Escaping a Fiery Plane

A golden bug worn on the lapel could indicate a life of adventure.
Ella Morton August 23, 2016
objects of intrigue

The Battle Over Net Neutrality Started With the 1920s-Era 'Hush-A-Phone'

How an early telephone silencer took on AT&T.
Lauren Young August 16, 2016
objects of intrigue

When Ancient Romans Had Their Clothes Stolen, They Responded With Curse Tablets

The gods shall punish toga thieves.
Carly Silver August 9, 2016
objects of intrigue

The Alarming Aesthetics of Jazz Age Perm Machines

Mix dangling wires and asbestos to achieve the perfect flapper wave.
Ella Morton August 2, 2016
objects of intrigue

How a 4-Year-Old's Letter to His Father Survived the Civil War

Scribbles from home, kept safe on the battlefield.
Ella Morton July 26, 2016
If Da Vinci had his way, we'd all be swimming in these.
objects of intrigue

Leonardo da Vinci Designed a Nightmare Scuba Suit

The perfect summer outfit for your dystopian marine nightmares.
Cara Giaimo July 19, 2016