Jules Allix (9 September 1818 – 1 September 1903) was a feminist, socialist, political activist and eccentric inventor. A communard, he was mayor of the 8th arrondissement of Paris.[1]

Jules Allix
Jules Allix in 1854 or 1855
Born9 September 1818 Edit this on Wikidata
Fontenay-le-Comte Edit this on Wikidata
Died1 September 1903 Edit this on Wikidata (aged 84)
2nd arrondissement of Paris Edit this on Wikidata
OccupationActivist, communards, women's rights activist, teacher Edit this on Wikidata
Signature
Position heldmayor of the 8th arrondissement of Paris (Paris Commune, 1871–1871) Edit this on Wikidata

Political activism

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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

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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

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  1. ^ 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)
  2. ^ Political and Historical Encyclopedia of Women By Christine Fauré, Richard Dubois, pg 242
  3. ^ "The Snail Telegraph" in Historic Oddities and Strange Events By Sabine Baring-Gould, pgs 189-198

See also

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