As these articles show, the Victorian era saw some rapid and remarkable changes in the types of tools and equipment available to the housekeeper. From the sewing machine to the safety match, this was the age of domestic inventions and improvements. For the most part, these were welcomed, though not every home immediately embraced the "latest technologies." Servants were often concerned, and with good reason, that new technologies might put them out of work!

Domestic Inventions (Illustrated London Almanack, 1845)

On a variety of inventions and improvements in stoves, fireplaces, heating, clocks, etc.

Domestic Inventions & Sanitation (Illustrated London Almanack, 1850)

New inventions, including ventilation devices for homes and fireplaces, water sanitation and filtering devices, and a patented chimney-sweeping machine.

New Kitchen Implements (Illustrated London Almanack, 1850)

A detailed list of all the items and utensils that are needed in a well-equipped kitchen!

Kitchen Requisites, (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1875)

What were the essentials of the well-furnished Victorian kitchen? This article explains all, and even gives price estimates for the kitchen necessities of the day.

Home Contrivances (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1878)

Some inexpensive solutions to creating or refurbishing home furnishings and draperies.

On Disinfectants (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1878)

Interesting not only as an explanation of how disinfectants should be used, but what types were available at the time.

A Word About Disinfectants (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1884)

Domestic Changes of the Last 50 Years (Girl's Own Paper, 1887)

"For example, what an immensity of time and toil is saved by the sewing machine, an instrument unknown a few years ago! A whole host of useful things are produced from... indiarubber. Even in so small a matter as striking a light, what a contrast in the safety match to the old tinderbox or phosphorus bottle of fifty years ago!"

Potpourri Jars (Ingalls' Home Magazine, 1888)

A recipe for potpourri.

Lampiana: An Idyll of Lamps and Shades, by Dora de Blaquière (Girl's Own Paper, 1891)

A look at "modern" oil lamps, how to care for a lamp, and how to make lamp and candle shades.

Glue (Girl's Own Paper, 1897)

Two Domestic Sanitary Appliances (Girl's Own Paper, 1898)

The dustbin and the filter.

My Dairy and the Work Therein, by Lina Orman Cooper (Girl's Own Paper, 1900)

How to make butter, with a lovely look at the tools required.