For today's #FunFactFridays post, let's look behind the scenes at some inventions and their fascinating origins.
1. Elevators — From Ancient Rome to Skyscrapers
Elevators aren’t a modern invention. Ancient Romans used simple lifting platforms powered by people, animals, or water. But it wasn’t until the 1850s, when Elisha Otis demonstrated a safety mechanism that prevented elevators from falling if their cables broke, that elevators became practical for everyday use. His invention helped make skyscrapers possible.
2. Traffic Lights — Inspired by the Railroad
The first traffic signal appeared in London in 1868 and looked more like a railroad signal than today’s familiar light. It used red and green gas lamps and was operated manually. Unfortunately, it exploded less than a month later, injuring the police officer operating it. Modern electric traffic lights wouldn’t arrive until decades later.
3. Toothpaste — Ancient Egyptians Had the Idea
Toothpaste has been around for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used a powder made from ingredients including crushed rock, ashes, and burnt eggshells. Thankfully, modern toothpaste is considerably more pleasant.
4. Cereal — A Health Craze Gone Commercial
Breakfast cereal grew out of the 19th-century health movement. Doctors and health reformers promoted bland foods as a way to improve digestion and discourage unhealthy habits. Corn flakes eventually emerged from this movement—and became a breakfast staple.
5. Shopping Carts — A Store Owner’s Clever Trick
The shopping cart was invented in 1937 by Oklahoma grocer Sylvan Goldman. Customers weren’t buying enough, so he attached baskets to a folding frame, making it easier to carry more groceries. His solution worked—and permanently changed how we shop.