Straitjacket
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A straitjacket is a garment that restrains its wearer. Invented in the 18th century, it was originally designed to prevent patients in psychiatric asylums from harming themselves or others, though it
A Posey Straitjacket (small-size) manufactured by The Posey Company.
Victorian straitjacket on display at Glenside Museum
An 1838 depiction of a patient restrained with a straitjacket.
Harry Houdini
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Erik Weisz, known professionally as Harry Houdini, was an American escapologist, illusionist, and stunt performer noted for his escape acts.
Straitjacket
…Safety Coalition's report claimed to have been restrained with the WRAP. After seeing a patient restrained with a straitjacket in an asylum in Canada, Harry Houdini introduced the straitjacket to his escapology performances. He would often escape from straitjackets while suspended upside down. In 1916, approximately…
Houdini, c. 1913
1895 poster for The Houdinis
Houdini, c. 1900
Hardeen with his brother, Houdini (seated left) c. 1901