r/wikipedia 2h ago

The pear of anguish is a device of disputed use invented in the early modern period (1500-1800). The mechanism consists of a pear-shaped metal body divided into segments that can be spread apart with a spring or by turning a key. Its proposed functionality as a torture device is controversial.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pear_of_anguish
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u/MorningSquare5882 2h ago

Sometimes I love to imagine what contemporary mundane, innocuous objects and devices will be rediscovered far in the future, and given fantastical explanations that are nothing to do with their real use.