"The Bath chair is a forerunner to the modern wheelchair. It was invented
by James Heath and gained popularity and its name when used by visitors
to the spa town of Bath from the 1700s. Many visitors who came to ‘take
the waters’ were often in poor health. Although the occupant can guide
the direction of the chair, an attendant pushes it from behind to
provide the power.
Sedan chairs had been the most popular transport for individuals. They
were carried by two or more people. However, the more convenient Bath
chair had taken its place by 1830. Wheeled chairs had been used before
in England, but the Bath chair’s popularity made it the vehicle of
choice." |
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