17 Things Invented By Accident That Changed the World
Innovations can often stem from deliberate experimentation, but sometimes the world’s most impactful discoveries come entirely by accident. From life-saving medical breakthroughs to household staples, these unexpected inventions have shaped the way we live today.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Many groundbreaking inventions weren’t the result of careful planning or structured research. Instead, they were happy accidents that forever altered our daily lives, industries, and even the course of human history. From science labs to kitchen mishaps, these moments of unintentional genius have proven how innovation often has a mind of its own. The 17 inventions featured here are perfect examples of how the unexpected can lead to extraordinary breakthroughs.
1. Penicillin
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Alexander Fleming’s return from vacation in 1928 led to one of medicine’s most crucial discoveries. He noticed that a mold called Penicillium notatum had killed bacteria in a petri dish he had left out. Fleming recognized the antibacterial potential, though it took years and other scientists to mass-produce it. Penicillin became the world’s first widely used antibiotic, saving millions of lives.
2. Microwave Oven
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Percy Spencer was testing a radar magnetron when he noticed a candy bar in his pocket had melted. Curious, he placed popcorn kernels near the device, which promptly popped. Realizing the magnetron’s ability to cook food, Spencer developed the first microwave oven. It revolutionized how people prepare meals in kitchens worldwide.
3. X-Rays
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In 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen was experimenting with cathode rays when he noticed a nearby fluorescent screen glowing without direct exposure. He discovered invisible rays could pass through flesh but not bone or metal. Roentgen captured the first X-ray image using his wife’s hand, leading to a new era in medical diagnostics and imaging.
4. Velcro
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Swiss engineer George de Mestral went for a walk and noticed burrs sticking to his dog’s fur. Examining them under a microscope, he saw tiny hooks that latched onto loops in fabric. Inspired, he mimicked the mechanism using synthetic materials. Velcro became a go-to fastener in clothing, aerospace, and sportswear.
5. Teflon
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Roy Plunkett was attempting to create a new refrigerant in 1938 when he noticed a gas canister had stopped releasing. Opening it revealed a slippery white substance. The material, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), had remarkable nonstick properties. It was later branded as Teflon and became essential in cookware and industry.
6. Saccharin
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Constantin Fahlberg, a chemist working on coal tar derivatives, forgot to wash his hands before dinner. He noticed a sweet taste on his fingers and traced it back to the lab. Fahlberg had inadvertently discovered saccharin, the first artificial sweetener. It became widely used as a sugar substitute, especially for diabetics and dieters.
7. Post-it Notes
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In 1968, Spencer Silver developed a weak adhesive while trying to create a super-strong one. His invention didn’t seem useful until a colleague, Art Fry, used it to keep bookmarks in place. Together, they created the Post-it Note. It became a ubiquitous tool for reminders and office communication.
8. Safety Glass
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French chemist Édouard Bénédictus accidentally knocked a glass flask coated with plastic cellulose. Though it cracked, it didn’t shatter. Inspired, he created laminated safety glass used in car windshields. It significantly reduced injuries from shattered glass in accidents.
9. Pacemaker
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Engineer Wilson Greatbatch mistakenly installed the wrong resistor while building a heart recording device. The circuit pulsed rhythmically, mimicking a heartbeat. Realizing its medical potential, he refined the design into the first implantable pacemaker. This device has since helped millions maintain regular heart rhythms.
10. Play-Doh
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Originally created as a wallpaper cleaner in the 1930s, Play-Doh’s soft, malleable texture caught the attention of school teachers. They began using it as a modeling compound in classrooms. The formula was later rebranded as a children’s toy. Play-Doh has since become a classic, sparking creativity in generations of kids.
11. LSD
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Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in 1938 while studying ergot fungus. He accidentally absorbed a small amount through his skin and experienced powerful hallucinations. Intrigued, he deliberately ingested more and documented the effects. LSD later became central to psychological studies and counterculture movements.
12. Stainless Steel
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Harry Brearley was trying to prevent gun barrels from eroding in 1913. While experimenting with steel alloys, he created one that didn’t rust. His discovery of stainless steel became vital in construction, cutlery, and medical tools. Its corrosion resistance has made it indispensable in modern manufacturing.
13. Super Glue
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Dr. Harry Coover was attempting to make clear plastic for gun sights during World War II. Instead, he discovered a substance that stuck to everything it touched. Though initially discarded, it was later marketed as Super Glue. It became a household adhesive known for its strength and versatility.
14. Corn Flakes
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In an effort to create a healthy vegetarian meal, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and his brother left boiled wheat out too long. The mixture turned stale but baked into crispy flakes. They repeated the process with corn, creating corn flakes. This invention launched the breakfast cereal industry.
15. Slinky
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Naval engineer Richard James was developing springs to stabilize ship instruments. One fell off a shelf and elegantly “walked” down instead of tumbling. His wife saw the toy potential, and they marketed it as the Slinky. It became an iconic and enduring children’s toy.
16. Anesthesia
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Several 19th-century chemists noticed recreational users of nitrous oxide and ether didn’t feel pain. These observations led to trials in surgeries using these compounds. Eventually, anesthesia became a standard part of surgical procedures. It revolutionized medicine by allowing complex operations without suffering.
17. Vulcanized Rubber
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Charles Goodyear was experimenting with rubber and accidentally dropped a mixture of rubber and sulfur onto a hot stove. The substance hardened but remained elastic. He had unknowingly created vulcanized rubber, which is weather-resistant and durable. It formed the backbone of the tire and rubber goods industry.