Here's what they used them for:
* Listening to music: The gramophone was the primary means of listening to recorded music in the Victorian era. It brought a new level of accessibility to music, allowing people to enjoy performances by famous singers and orchestras at home.
* Entertainment: Gramophones were a source of entertainment for families and gatherings. People would gather around the gramophone and listen to music, stories, and even comedic sketches.
* Education: Educational recordings were made available on gramophones, teaching people about history, literature, and other subjects.
* Language learning: Gramophones were used for language learning, with recordings of spoken languages helping people to improve their pronunciation and vocabulary.
* Communication: While less common than for entertainment, the gramophone could be used to record and play back messages, particularly in situations where telephone service wasn't available.
It's important to note that gramophones were a luxury item in Victorian times, and not everyone could afford them.