Bøker av Michael Fairley

This latest book in the Kent's Untold History series explores the changing history ofmedicines, medical treatments, pills and potions in Kent from the 17th centuryonwards, tracing the evolution of medications and drugs prepared by alchemists anddoctors from the historically plant-based preparations of the 1600s and 1700s throughto the evolution of science-based medicines of the 1900s onwards. Advances also took place in the design and manufacture of artificial limbs, manybecoming controlled by cables, gears, cranks and springs, which could often berotated or bent. By the late 1800s new inventions in the manufacture and fitting ofartificial teeth were also taking place. The late 1800s and early 1900s experienced some of the most important advances inmedication and medical treatments. The discovery of penicillin; advances in surgerythat stopped wounds from getting gangrene, as well as operating theatres becominggerm-free environments; the use of sterilization to kill bacteria on surgicalinstruments; the discovery of different blood groups and blood compatibility orincompatibility, which showed that blood transfusions would only work if the bloodgroups were compatible, as well as the development of X-rays. Probably the most significant advances in healthcare were to come in 1911 and1948, with, first, the introduction of the National Health Insurance Act, 1911, andthen The National Health Service Act introduced in 1948. This later Act was toprovide healthcare that was free for all at the point of delivery. This 5th title in the Kent's Untold History series looks at many of these evolutions, development, and discoveries in rather more detail, with input from Kent newspapers in the British Newspaper Archive from the early 1700s right through tothe mid 1900s exploring how these advances and changes were implemented.

Music halls and variety theatres were a popular and regular form of entertainment at England's County of Kent seaside resorts ̶ from Sheerness, around the coast to Seasalter, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Margate, Ramsgate, Deal, Dover, Folkestone, Sandgate and then Lydd, during the period from around 1860 to the 1920s and 1930s. Although the main coastal towns such a Folkestone, Ramsgate, Margate and Sheerness were able to attract, and pay, many of the best national and international stars that could fill 1,000 - 1,800 seat halls, many of them often having a history dating back to the 1860s, 1870s and 1880s, the smaller 600-seat Kent seaside venues had their own touring acts that moved from town to town around the coast, often supplemented by well-know local entertainers. Between these two different types of venues, there were literally hundreds of less well-known or very specialized performers and acts (both human and animal) of almost infinite variety ̶ including many that would be frowned on today, or would not even be bookable in theatres in the 21st century ̶ that often toured theatres during the summer season and, for some, the added bonus of winter tours and the annual Christmas pantomimes. This book presents the results of extensive historical research, documenting the history of many of the Kent music hall and variety theatres around the county's coast, how they evolved and eventually adapted to a new world of cinema, dance and big bands, as well as documenting much of the rich variety of human and animal acts that delighted audiences in these big and small venues. It is hoped that readers will be equally fascinated and interested to learn and understand more about these music hall and theatre venues, and the artistes and acts that performed on the county's stages as a living.