UK

On October 7, 1893, Bertha Eveline Archer, a resident of Penair, Truro, Cornwall, was awarded a patent for developing a portable whistle designed to attach to bellows. The whistle could be sounded as a warning, particularly for invalids.

On May 29, 1897, Jenny Feist, a spinster of Wiesbaden, Germany, was awarded a patent for an improved tear-open envelope with perforated edges. By gumming the space between the perforations, her design prevented the letter inside from slipping into the tear line and being damaged when the strip was removed.

On May 29, 1897, Jenny Minnie of Haeltert, Belgium, patented an improved incubator with a simple hot-water heating system and built-in air channels. Circulating warm water kept the temperature even, while fresh air was drawn in and gently warmed before reaching the eggs, improving incubation reliability.

On November 11, 1899, Sophia Sidney Rebecca Lindsey, a resident of Earl’s Crome near Worcester, was granted a patent for an innovative hair wash or tonic. The formulation included borax, ammonia, and spirits of wine.