30 Facts About Forgotten Inventions

Intriguing Forgotten Inventions

Throughout history, countless inventions have shaped our world. Yet, not all have stood the test of time. Some have faded into obscurity, leaving behind fascinating stories of ingenuity and creativity. Here are 30 forgotten inventions that once held great promise.

1. Artificial Petrifaction of Human Cadavers
   Girolamo Segato developed a method to preserve human bodies by turning them into stone. This process, a precursor to modern embalming, remains a mystery as the exact technique has been lost.

2. Greek Fire
   Used by the Byzantines, Greek fire was an incendiary weapon that could set enemy ships ablaze. Despite numerous attempts, the exact formula remains unknown, making it a legendary lost invention.

3. Panjagan
   The Panjagan, a projectile weapon from the Sasanian era, could shoot five arrows simultaneously. Its exact mechanism is speculative, but it was a formidable battlefield tool.

4. Archimedes' Heat Ray
   Legend has it that Archimedes used a heat ray to burn Roman ships during the siege of Syracuse. While its existence is debated, the story highlights ancient engineering prowess.

5. Claw of Archimedes
   Another invention attributed to Archimedes, this device supposedly lifted and capsized enemy ships. Though its existence is uncertain, it adds to the lore of ancient warfare.

Ancient Innovations

Ancient civilizations were hotbeds of innovation. Many of their inventions, though forgotten, were ahead of their time and showcased remarkable ingenuity.

6. Polybolos
   The Polybolos was an ancient Greek repeating ballista. Evidence suggests it existed, but its design and functionality are debated. A MythBusters episode tested a replica, finding it plausible but prone to breakdowns.

7. Roman Flexible Glass
   Roman flexible glass, reportedly invented by a craftsman who was executed to prevent devaluation of gold and silver, remains a mystery. Its production method is lost, but it had practical uses in windows and vessels.

8. Mithridate
   Mithridate, a concoction believed to cure various ailments, reflects early attempts at creating universal remedies. Its exact composition and effectiveness are now speculative.

9. Sloot Digital Coding System
   This system, claimed to store a complete digital movie in 8 kilobytes, sounds like a precursor to modern digital storage. However, its actual capabilities and existence are questionable.

10. Stradivarius Stringed Instruments
    Stradivarius instruments are considered some of the finest ever made. Theories about their quality include unique wood density and special treatments, but blind tests haven't conclusively proven a difference from other high-quality violins.

Practical Forgotten Inventions

Some forgotten inventions were practical solutions to everyday problems. These innovations, though no longer in use, made significant impacts during their time.

11. Starlite
    Starlite, an intumescent material, could withstand enormous heat. Its composition remains unknown, but it was highly effective in fireproofing applications.

12. Zhang's Seismoscope
    Zhang's seismoscope, an ancient Chinese seismometer, had remarkable accuracy and range. Modern recreations exist, but they don't match the historical reports of its capabilities.

13. Can Opener
    Patented by Ezra J. Warner in 1858, the can opener revolutionized food preservation. Initially used by the military, it became a household staple with William W. Lyman's more user-friendly model in 1870.

14. Blue Jeans
    Invented by Levi Strauss in the 1850s, blue jeans were durable work pants for miners and laborers. Today, they are a fashion staple worldwide.

15. Frisbee
    The Frisbee, initially known as the "Flyin' Saucer," gained popularity when Yale students tossed around empty pie pans. It became a national pastime in the United States.

Unusual Forgotten Inventions

Not all forgotten inventions were practical. Some were downright bizarre, reflecting the creativity and sometimes eccentricity of their inventors.

16. Feather Duster
    Susan Hibbard's feather duster patent in 1876 was hard-fought, even against her husband. This invention, though simple, bolstered the spirits of other women inventors.

17. Gas Mask
    Garrett A. Morgan's gas mask, designed in 1912, saved lives during an explosion in Cleveland's waterworks tunnel. Its effectiveness earned Morgan a medal and numerous orders from fire departments.

18. Oil Burner
    Amanda Theodosia Jones patented the oil burner in 1880. This invention marked a turning point in heating technology, especially in the oil fields of northern Pennsylvania.

19. Blood Bank
    Dr. Charles Drew's methods for using dried plasma during World War II led to the establishment of blood banks. His work revolutionized medical care, despite resigning over racial segregation policies.

20. Swim Fins
    Benjamin Franklin invented swim fins at age 11. Though they didn't become popular, they reflect his lifelong enthusiasm for swimming and innovation.

Technological Forgotten Inventions

Some forgotten inventions were technological marvels of their time. These innovations paved the way for future advancements, even if they didn't last.

21. Teleautomaton Boat
    Nikola Tesla's teleautomaton boat, demonstrated in 1898, showcased radio-controlled technology. Despite its potential, skepticism about its scientific basis hindered its adoption.

22. Copier
    James Watt's copying press, invented in 1780, created reversed copies by pressing documents onto thin paper. This innovation marked a turning point in document duplication.

23. Talking Doll
    Thomas Edison's talking doll, though not as famous as his other inventions, showcased his versatility. It reflects his ability to innovate across various fields.

24. Massage Helmet
    Introduced in the 1960s, the massage helmet offered a relaxing head massage. Though not widely recognized today, modern versions still provide spa-like experiences at home.

25. Urban Window Baby Cage
    Popular in the 1930s, the urban window baby cage provided infants with fresh air while keeping them safe. However, the risks of dangling a baby above city streets made it obsolete.

Quirky Forgotten Inventions

Some inventions were quirky solutions to specific problems. These innovations, though unusual, highlight the inventors' creativity and problem-solving skills.

26. Siamese Dancing Shoes
    Introduced in 1981, Siamese dancing shoes helped couples stay in sync during ballroom dancing. They provided a practical solution for dancers with two left feet.

27. Yodel Meter
    Used around 1925, the yodel meter measured a singer's pitch. Before Auto-Tune, this device helped singers gauge their vocal range and pitch.

28. Rubber Bumper
    A.J. Grafham introduced the rubber bumper in the 1930s to protect pedestrians from car injuries. This invention aimed to reduce the impact of accidents and improve road safety.

29. Duplex Hand-Scale
    Popular in the 1950s, the duplex hand-scale featured a plastic spoon for weighing ingredients. It was designed for housewives to measure culinary needs easily.

30. Amphibious Bike ‘Cyclomer’
    Invented in Paris in 1932, the Cyclomer could ride on land and water. This versatile vehicle, capable of carrying 120 pounds, demonstrates early 20th-century inventors' creative solutions.

The Legacy of Forgotten Inventions

These 30 forgotten inventions highlight the incredible creativity and ingenuity of their inventors. From Greek Fire to the Cyclomer, each one tells a unique story about the challenges and needs of their time. Some, like Stradivarius stringed instruments, have left a lasting impact, while others, like the urban window baby cage, faded into obscurity. They remind us that innovation is a continuous process, with each idea building on the last. Even if these inventions didn't stand the test of time, they paved the way for future advancements. So next time you use a can opener or enjoy a game of Frisbee, remember the inventors who dared to think outside the box. Their forgotten creations continue to inspire and shape our world in ways we might not even realize.