Energyphile

On a chilly January morning in 1857, 7-year-old Henry Haworth contemplates the chimneys he must clean that day. As he meets his fate in one of them, energy economist Peter Tertzakian examines the history, ethics and economics of these “climbing boys.” The technology to replace them was available. Legislation against their use was in place. So why did the horrific practice of sending children up chimneys persist for so long? The answer is more complex than you think.

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