#18: A Mystery Contraption
This photo will make you do a double-take. Without context, this strange machine looks like an ancient torture device. However, the little girl who is strapped into this contraption looks too happy for that possibility. So, what is the purpose of this machine? Well, it’s an overly complicated machine that is supposed to teach perfect swim form.
This machine, invented in 1931, was supposed to guide people on how to execute perfect swimming strokes. The swimming student could lay on the belt cradle, hook up their arms and legs, and let the machine do all the work. This seems a little more complicated than, say, practicing in a swimming pool with a professional teacher. But hey, we’re not swimming experts.