The History and Science of Obsolete Jobs

The relentless march of time has swept away countless professions, jobs that once formed the bedrock of communities and economies but are now confined to the pages of history. This book delves into the fascinating history and science of 25 such obsolete occupations. Step into bygone eras and explore the daily lives, unique skills, and ingenious tools of individuals like the lamplighter, whose torch illuminated the night; the ice cutter, who harvested cold from frozen lakes; the town crier, the voice of public news; the typesetter, crafting words by hand; the switchboard operator, connecting voices across wires; the rat catcher, a guardian against urban pests; and the scullery maid, toiling behind kitchen doors.
But this is more than just a nostalgic glance backward. Discover the 'how' and 'why' behind their obsolescence, driven by technological leaps, scientific understanding, and evolving social structures. Delve into the practical ingenuity and often rudimentary 'science' that underpinned these vanished roles, and marvel at the often-simple yet perfectly adapted tools that shaped their daily toil. These vanishing roles, from the perilous work of the log driver and resurrectionist to the quiet diligence of the chimney sweep and peddler, reveal a dynamic world of labor and hold surprising echoes of our present anxieties about automation and change.