Jules Allix (9 September 1818 in Fontenay-le-Comte, Vendée – 1st September 1903 in Paris) was a feminist, socialist, political activist and eccentric inventor. A communard, he was mayor of the 8th arrondissement of Paris.[1]
Jules Allix | |
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 Jules Allix in 1854 or 1855 | |
| Born | 9 September 1818  Fontenay-le-Comte |
| Died | 1 September 1903 (aged 84) 2nd arrondissement of Paris |
| Occupation | Activist, communards, women's rights activist, teacher |
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| Position held | mayor of the 8th arrondissement of Paris (Paris Commune, 1871–1871) |
Political activism edit
In the Commune he inspired the creation of the "Comité des Femmes de la Rue d'Arras", which held a non-communist socialist view that emphasized the rights of women. The significance of the group is a matter of dispute, but it seems to have failed at several of its goals.[2]
Inventions and experiments edit
Jules Allix is also known for his connection to several inventions and experiments deemed unusual. One of these being the "snail telegraph" (see pasilalinic-sympathetic compass). The idea behind it stated that snails, once put in contact, remain in sympathetic communication. Therefore, snails could be used to send messages through this communication.[3] During the Franco-Prussian War, he suggested that women be armed with tubes of prussic acid, with which to kill the attacking Prussians.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b Gullickson, Gay L. (1996). Unruly women of Paris : images of the commune. Ithaca. p. 102. ISBN 0-8014-3228-6. OCLC 191821836.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ Political and Historical Encyclopedia of Women By Christine Fauré, Richard Dubois, pg 242
- ^ "The Snail Telegraph" in Historic Oddities and Strange Events By Sabine Baring-Gould, pgs 189-198