Accidental Inventions

We all know that everybody makes mistakes. Often, it is easy to become frustrated when things do not work out exactly the way you had planned. On the other hand, sometimes the unexpected happens when something that wasn’t “your way” turned out quite decently – and even better. Looking back on history, we can see many events when this unpredicted occurrence took place. Surprisingly, many of these occurrences accidentally produced every-day household items that we often take for granted. Here are a few “failures” that turned out to be just the opposite:

  • Potato Chips – In 1853, George Crum was busy preparing a meal for one rich houseguest. Being the chef of Moon’s Lake House in New York, Crum was well-known throughout the surrounding areas as a man who could make almost anything taste delicious. After serving this certain guest his famous fried potatoes, he received a complaint that the potatoes were too thick. Mr. Crum rolled up his sleeves and got to work. He sliced the next batch as thin as a hair and poured on extra salt in an attempt to enrage the customer. After the potatoes had been cooked until they were breakable, George Crum brought out his second ‘attempt,’ most likely with a devious grin. However, the plan backfired when the houseguest greatly enjoyed these ‘chips’ and ordered another serving. Eventually, this new snack became known as “Saratoga Chips” throughout New York, and later spread to New England and the rest of the world.
  • Silly Putty – During World War II, rubber was a scarce commodity. Since Japan had been attacking the rubber-exporting countries in Asia, America had no place to obtain it. Understanding this problem, James Wright, an employee of General Electric, determined to create a synthetic type of rubber for Americans to use. In 1943, after mixing boric acid and silicone oil, Wright created a sticky substance that resembled rubber, but was softer. However, no company wanted this new invention. Years later, after many disappointing meetings with factories, James Wright realized how enjoyable it was to play with and decided to sell the product by himself. Since it was Easter time, Wright sold this ‘goop’ in Easter eggs. Soon, “Silly Putty” spread throughout the nation.
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies – Ruth Graves Wakefield, along with her husband Kenneth, owned the Toll House Inn in scenic Massachusetts. On one day in 1930, Ruth was about to make her famous “Butter Drop Do” cookies for her guests, when she realized she did not have any more baker’s chocolate! In the spur of the moment, she decided to break up a bar of Nestle’s semi-sweet chocolate instead and add it into the batter. Hoping the chocolate would melt and cause the cookies to turn a delicious chocolate color while baking, Wakefield was disappointed when she removed the dessert from the oven. Instead of flowing into the batter, the chips of chocolate had only melted slightly and remained in place. Nevertheless, her guests still needed a dessert, so she served her impromptu attempt at a replacement. To her surprise, those staying at the Toll House Inn loved them! The fame of these cookies spread, and everyone was asking for her recipe, including Mr. Nestle himself! Eventually, they made a deal: Mrs. Wakefield would receive a lifetime supply of Nestle’s chocolate if he could print her recipe on each and every bar!

To read about more accidental inventions, visit: https://www.csmonitor.com/Technology/2012/1005/The-20-most-fascinating-accidental-inventions/Potato-chips

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