H.G. Wells was a womanizer whose second wife did believe in an open marriage and had knowledge of his numerous affairs.
The painting of women in sarongs hanging next to the modern canvas is by Paul Gaugin.
The book that H.G. Wells is conceiving as he leaves Murdoch is "The Island of Dr. Morneau. "
This episode takes place in July 1897.
David Storch who plays Dr. Dryus Alger also plays Thomas Edison later in the series.