12 Surprising Inventions That Were Created by Accident
Some of the world’s most groundbreaking inventions weren’t planned—they were happy accidents.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Not every great invention came from years of research and careful planning. Some of the most useful, delicious, and revolutionary discoveries happened entirely by mistake. From everyday items like microwave ovens to life-saving drugs, here are 12 incredible inventions that wouldn’t exist without a little luck.
1. Penicillin
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In 1928, Alexander Fleming left a petri dish of bacteria uncovered and returned to find it had been destroyed by mold. That mold turned out to be Penicillium, which led to the discovery of the world’s first antibiotic.
2. Microwave Oven
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While working with radar technology in 1945, Percy Spencer noticed a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted. Curious, he tested the effect on popcorn, which popped right before his eyes.
3. Post-it Notes
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A 3M scientist named Spencer Silver was trying to develop a super-strong adhesive but ended up with a weak, reusable glue instead. Years later, a colleague realized it was perfect for sticking notes to paper without leaving residue.
4. Velcro
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In 1941, Swiss engineer George de Mestral noticed burrs sticking stubbornly to his dog’s fur. Intrigued, he examined them under a microscope and saw tiny hooks that inspired Velcro’s design.
5. Corn Flakes
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The Kellogg brothers were trying to make a healthy wheat-based food when they accidentally left a pot of boiled wheat sitting out. Instead of throwing it away, they rolled and toasted the flakes, creating a crispy, tasty cereal.
6. Coca-Cola
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Dr. John Pemberton originally created Coca-Cola as a medicinal tonic in the 1880s. When his assistant accidentally mixed the syrup with carbonated water, it turned into a refreshing beverage instead.
7. Safety Glass
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In 1903, French scientist Édouard Bénédictus dropped a glass flask coated with a plastic solution and found it didn’t shatter. This led to the development of safety glass, now used in car windshields and buildings.
8. Chocolate Chip Cookies
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In the 1930s, Ruth Wakefield was making cookies when she ran out of baker’s chocolate. She threw in chopped-up pieces of a Nestlé chocolate bar, expecting them to melt, but they held their shape.
9. Super Glue
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Dr. Harry Coover was working on making clear plastic gun sights during World War II when he accidentally created a super-sticky substance. It was set aside for years until it was recognized as an ultra-strong adhesive.
10. Teflon
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In 1938, Roy Plunkett was developing a new refrigerant when he discovered a slippery, non-reactive material instead. This mistake led to the creation of Teflon, which is now used in non-stick cookware, medical devices, and even space technology.
11. Slinky
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Engineer Richard James was trying to create stabilizing springs for naval equipment when one of them accidentally fell off a shelf and “walked” across the floor. Seeing its potential as a toy, he refined the design and launched the Slinky, which became an instant hit.
12. X-rays
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In 1895, Wilhelm Roentgen was experimenting with cathode rays when he noticed an unknown radiation passing through objects. Further investigation led to the discovery of X-rays, a medical breakthrough that allows doctors to see inside the human body without surgery.