Is the world ready for a tie pin that can be eaten in case of sudden hunger? Or a railroad train that avoids collisions by climbing on top of the opposing train? Or a man's hat that will automatically tip itself in greeting when the wearer nods slightly?
All these (and more) are actual patented inventions, unearthed for your amusement, enlightenment, and possible bewilderment. Who, for instance, would opt for a Hydraulic Alarm Clock, which drips icy water down the sleeper's neck? Or the Humane Rodent Exterminator, a well-intentioned device that attaches a bell to the rat's neck, "thereby frightening the other rats and causing them to flee"?
Each of the nearly 60 inventions appears with the inventor's explanation and the actual drawings submitted to the Patent Office. Some are of dubious efficacy−for instance, the battery-and-copper plate designed to extract poisons from the human body. Others are simply hilarious, such as the rocking chair fitted with a bellows in order to blow air onto the rocker. All offer fascinating glimpses of the modern obsession with utility, accenting the zany turns on a shortcut to convenience.

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Vashon Island Book is located on Vashon Island, an idylic country setting just a short ferry ride from Downtown Seattle. We are a quality internet bookstore for readers & collectors. We have a select, diverse stock that is constantly changing and growing. We do the majority of our business over the Net and are committed to providing professional service. With 30 plus years combined book selling experience and knowledge Vashon Island Books provides a trustworthy and respected outlet for your book buying needs. To learn more about us, feel free to Visit our web site at: vashonbooks.com

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Vashon Island Books, LLC
22100 Vashon Highway, Vashon, WA, 98070, U.S.A.

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Vashon Island Books, LLC
22100 Vashon Highway
Vashon, Wa 98070
phone 206 408 7017
e-mail to: vashonbooks@comcast.net

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