The hottest 19th century Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Swindling Geologist 2 (Pt 2 of 2)

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
💾 History 19th century Biography Crime Naturalism
  1. A swindler pretended to be a geologist to steal valuable books and fossils. He was caught and went to jail but continued his con artist ways after being released.
  2. The swindler used different names and identities to deceive people and even stole microscopes from a university. His actions led to long prison sentences, but he kept going back to his old ways afterward.
  3. The success of these con artists was partly due to the trust placed in them by local naturalists and scientists. They were often seen as experts, which made their scams easier to pull off.

When the Mosquito Fleet Ruled

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 259 implied HN points • 30 May 24
💾 History 19th century Transportation Cultural impact
  1. The Mosquito Fleet was a group of small, steam-powered boats that traveled across Puget Sound, significantly improving transportation in the area during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
  2. These boats acted like a lifeline for isolated communities, providing essential services like mail delivery and cargo transport, which helped settlers connect with the outside world.
  3. Despite many boats failing due to various issues, the Mosquito Fleet was important because it adapted and continued to meet the needs of people living in hard-to-reach places.

Dickensian London

Cosmographia • 778 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Historical Fiction Author analysis London 19th century
  1. Charles Dickens' portrayal of 19th century London captures the essence of the city through its streets, alleys, and society, reflecting the city's ongoing metamorphosis.
  2. 19th century London experienced significant growth due to the Industrial Revolution, resulting in a juxtaposition of opulence and poverty with challenges like pollution and overcrowding.
  3. Dickens' unique approach of portraying the reality of London's streets with characters from all walks of life sets him apart as a literary great and keen observer of the city's resilience and spirit.

When The Underground Sucked: London's Atmospheric Railways

Londonist: Time Machine • 59 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
💾 History 19th century Transportation London Railways
  1. London's atmospheric railways in the 19th century were like the Hyperloop of that time, a unique transportation system that was given serious thought.
  2. An atmospheric railway was essentially being pulled to work through a giant vacuum cleaner, an innovative and unconventional concept for its era.
  3. The article explores past futures and how London's history includes fascinating ideas like atmospheric railways that can offer a unique perspective on the present.

The woman who turned to charcoal

The Quack Doctor • 0 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
💾 History Medical Deception 19th century
  1. A woman named Miss Perry in 1860s New York presented a unique medical condition where she appeared to excrete waste through her skin, even coughing up substances resembling charcoal.
  2. Dr. Sayre suspected deception in Miss Perry's case and found evidence of a hoax involving fake coatings and stories of charcoal extraction from her body.
  3. Miss Perry's case raises questions about her motivations, whether seeking compassion, wielding power, avoiding reality, or dealing with psychological distress through fabricated symptoms.
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