Originally Posted by
tatfiend
Virtually every imaginable bike layout and drivetrain was tried, or at least patented, in the period from 1875 to 1900 or so, including some very strange ones! The Socible was only one example. Another was tandems with the lady's seat in front and the steering controlled from the rear saddle. A case of "Ladies First" carried to the logical conclusion for a tandem. Added complexity and weight added to meet the social requirements of the era, the same reason for the Sociable IMO.
There was a tandem like that at the bike shop where I learned my trade. However, both sets of handlebars were connected to the steering (chains, sprockets, and adjustable links were involved). It had been built in the '30's, though- balloon tires and coaster brake were from that era.