U.S. Editorial Caricaturists Serving as Pioneers in Public Health Advocacy
In the mid-1800s, several groundbreaking innovations transformed the landscape of cities and daily life. One such innovation was the mass-production of the Colt revolver, a six-bullet cylinder rotating gun that revolutionised firearm technology. Before this innovation, firearms were far more cumbersome, featuring long barrels and requiring manual loading of gunpowder and shot for each use. The new revolvers, with shorter barrels and pre-manufactured bullets that combined gunpowder and projectile in a single cartridge, were easily carried or concealed and could be quickly fired multiple times without reloading, democratising gun ownership.
This development, however, was recognised as a growing threat in the 1880s, as the widespread availability of guns led to increased concerns. A tragic example of this was the assassination of President James Garfield in 1881 by Charles J. Guiteau. Guiteau, who believed he was owed a consulship by Garfield's administration, shot the president with a revolver. Initially, some newspapers linked Vice President Chester A. Arthur to the assassination due to Guiteau's political affiliations, but most blamed the corrupt spoils system for the attack. Garfield died 79 days later from complications of the wounds.
Another significant innovation of the time was the rise of high-rise construction. Brick exterior walls replaced wooden construction in mid-19th century cities, providing a fire-resistant alternative. However, despite the fire-resistant walls, wooden floors and joists remained flammable in high-rise buildings, leading to concerns about fire safety. In 1884, a cartoon depicted a tragic oversight: fire departments didn't yet have strong enough water pressure to reach the upper floors of high-rise buildings.
Urbanization in the late 1800s also increased people's dependence on manufactured foods. Unfortunately, food safety regulations were lax until the early 20th century, leading to scandals such as the adulteration of confectionery. In 1858, a satirical illustration depicted Death stirring candy tainted with arsenic and plaster of Paris. By 1884, New York City's Board of Health had destroyed over 72,000 pounds of adulterated confectionery.
Regulatory efforts were initially weak due to business opposition, but public pressure eventually led to change. In 1906, Congress passed the Pure Food and Drug Act, protecting consumers from dangerous food additives and establishing more rigorous food safety standards.
Two other notable innovations of the time were the brick exterior walls and Elisha Otis's "safety elevator," first installed in 1857. These innovations, along with the advancements in firearm technology and food safety, led to a boom in high-rise construction starting in the mid 1880s.
In conclusion, the 19th century was a period of significant innovation, with advancements in firearm technology, construction, food safety, and transportation reshaping cities and daily life. While these innovations brought about new challenges, they also paved the way for future progress and development.
