Tekstblad bij de prent over het gebruik van de nieuwe brandspuitslangen, 1677 1677 - 1718

This is a leaflet made in 1677 by Joseph Mulder, containing text about newly invented fire hoses. Leaflets like these offer glimpses into the social and technological developments of the 17th century. In the Dutch Golden Age, advancements in technology weren't just about progress; they were deeply interwoven with the fabric of daily life. Consider the communal aspect of firefighting. It wasn't just about saving property; it was about community members coming together to protect each other. The text details how these new fire hoses should be operated, suggesting a society increasingly reliant on communal cooperation. What's also fascinating is the implicit narrative around urbanization. As cities grew, so did the risks of fires, prompting innovations like these hoses. The leaflet is a testament to the era's ingenuity, but it also quietly speaks to the challenges and anxieties that came with rapid social change. It makes you wonder about the hopes and fears of the people reading this leaflet at the time.