History

Technology is constantly changing at an exponential rate. With new products and innovations coming about almost every day, even the most high-tech computers and gadgets are likely to become outmoded not long after they’re released to the public. Technology evolves so much, in fact, that it’s only a matter of time before we realize we can’t recognize past inventions. (Seriously, have you ever tried explaining a floppy disc to Generation Z?) These 15 strange objects from the past—from ancient sunglasses to toothpicks—certainly look odd. More importantly, though, they show how “cutting-edge technology” is all relative! 1. Playpens: This is a window cage… for babies. Believe it or not, there really was a time when parents thought this was a good idea. Sure, put their children at the edge of a window the same way that you would an air conditioner. Great call. Boredom Therapy The idea behind this admittedly horrifying contraption was to give babies more exposure to sunlight. In reality, it probably would’ve been smarter to let them play outside. This isn’t worth the risk! That baby doesn’t look to be enjoying it! Boredom Therapy 2. Chairs: This chair has an actual set of scales attached to it. Perhaps this was meant to remind the people sitting in it to get off of their butts and exercise? It must be hard to relax when you’re sitting next to that. pinterest.com 3. Focusing devices: Can’t concentrate at work after a sleepless night? Try this grotesque contraption! People would use this sound insulation helmet to provide a limited (think: focused) view… as well as a limited supply of oxygen Boredom Therapy 4. Cameras: Pigeons used to carry these cameras during World War II to help armies conduct aerial reconnaissance. It’s actually kind of adorable when you think about it, but doesn’t that seem like a lot of weight for a little bird? flickr.com This is what these winged soldiers looked like in action! There’s no denying how cute this pigeon is, even if he does seem to be taking his mission pretty seriously. Do you think he knew that the fate of the free world rested on his wings? theatlantic.com 5. Toothpicks: This English toothpick dates back to 1620. It’s difficult to imagine that even back then, people wouldn’t have found it strange to use such a fanciful-looking artifact to do something like cleaning one’s teeth. pinterest.com 6. Trees: This is a “wishing tree.” It was once used much in the same way that we still use wishing wells: a person placed the coins in the trunk and made a wish. Then, the tree grew over the pieces of metal over time. gumtree.com The trees were a popular fixture in the woods in Scotland. Not only do they give you the hope that your wish will come true, but they look pretty neat too! Hopefully, some wishes did come true! gumtree.com 7. Sunglasses: This is an ancient pair of sunglasses. They certainly look like they would block light, don’t they? Of course, it also looks like they would block the vast majority of your vision, in general. Seriously, how could this ever work? nepropadu.ru 8. Guns: This is a Type 89 machine gun was actually a camera used for aircraft training purposes during World War II. It would snap photos of targets to simulate firing actual bullets. A good photo meant the soldier “hit” the target. giggag.com 9. Hairdryers: Would you have ever guessed that these paddles are really old-fashioned hair dryers? You’d fill them with boiling water and wrap your hair around them. That seems safe, right? There’s no way that this could have lead to any serious accidents… dyson.com 10. Hats: This is a Chinese hat that was worn during the Qing dynasty. It looks pretty fancy, doesn’t it? If you were to wear this to an upscale formal event, you’d surely be the talk of the town! Hopefully, they still sell hats like these somewhere. pinterest.com 11. Spoons: This spoon was used to feed bears. Of course, this begs the question, “Why would anyone in their right mind try to feed a bear?” Perhaps somebody was raising bears to do their own bidding? That would be pretty cool. catchupnews.org 12. Medical supplies: Leeches were stored in jars like this during the days when they were more commonly used for medical purposes. When you take that into consideration, it’s not quite as weird. You need to keep the leeches somewhere, right? pinterest.com 13. Cutlery: This knife is made out of shark teeth. It must’ve been helpful when metal was inaccessible! That, and all those times in life when you need to defend yourself against wild, vicious beasts… you know, like sharks. dudeiwantthat.com 14. Backpacks: This deadly knapsack flamethrower was used by the U.S.S.R. during World War II. Most of the time, when people think of knapsacks, they think of the kinds that you take to school. Deadly weapons are a different story! historynet.com 15. Religious artifacts: This is a portable altar for voodoo practitioners to worship with. After all, why shouldn’t you be able to continue practicing your voodoo rituals when you’re on the go? You never know when you’re going to need them! cavinmorris.com Credits: boredomtherapy.com Share this story on Facebook with your friends.