We live in a very advanced society with technology flying off the factory lines faster than the consumer can buy it. Yet we tend to take for granted some of the simpler things, the core inventions that changed our world into what we live in today. So this week is all about the inventions, how they came about, and the impact they have on our world today.
1. "Brush Your Teeth"
The tooth brush dates back to 3000 B.C., where early civilizations used "chew sticks" to clean their teeth. Yet it wasn't until 1498 in China when a tooth brush similar to what we use today was invented. It was made out of bone or bamboo and used boar bristles until 1938 when synthetic bristles were introduced. This simple invention has saved all of us from having horribly bad breath and has kept our teeth shiny and white.
FUN FACT: The first electronic tooth brush wasn't introduced until 1960's and was marketed as Broxedent. Strange name for a tooth brush!
2. "The perfect pairing with jelly"
The invention of peanut butter is a bit foggy with the Aztec's mashing up roasted peanuts into paste, which is far from the peanut butter we know today. While in 1884 Marcellus Gilmore Edson of Canada patented peanut butter paste, which was milling peanuts between two heated plates. It wasn't until Dr.John Harvey Kellogg in 1895 patented the process of making peanut butter made from raw peanuts. Yet it wasn't until 1922 that creamy peanut butter as we know it today was invented by Joseph Rosefield, who used partially hydrogenated oils to stop the oil and peanut butter from separating.
FUN FACT: American's eat about 700 million pounds of peanut butter per year!
3. "Laundry today or naked tomorrow"
The invention of the laundry machine was honestly huge for its time. Although it wasn't perfect in the beginning, it took way less time and effort. 1846 was the year of the first laundry "machine". It wasn't quite like the machines we have today. Just two ribbed surfaces rubbing against the clothes inside. It wasn't until 1900 when the first electric motor rotating tub was invented. Unfortunately the motor wasn't protected in the early models, causing a lot of short circuiting and electric shock. Solving the problem of finding the right motor to make the tub move around and not cause electrocution to people was just a few of the many obstacles for the washing machine. It wasn't until the 1920-30's that these innovation issues were solved and were produced similar to the washers we know today.
FUN FACT: Many accidents were caused during the early laundry machine models, specifically with the wringers used that caused people hands and hair to get stuck in.
4. "You go to store you?"
American sign language was first introduced in France in the 18th century and was called French sign language. It was later brought to the United States by Thomas Gallaudet and adapted to the English language. It's important to note that American sign language is not English, it is an entirely different language. ASL gives deaf individuals away to communicate with a wonderful community of people from across the United States.
FUN FACT: facial expressions and body movement are extremely important within sign language.
5. "Up or Down, you chose."
Stairs are almost common architecture today, but they were invented in 6000 B.C. They were commonly used to mobilize rough terrain. Stairs have such a rich history throughout time, from being used for religious purposes, royal kingdoms, and now in the everyday home. If you've ever been in a home where they have to take the stairs out and rebuild, you will realize how important this simple invention is.
FUN FACT: The possible first stairs were wooden trunks fitted together, these stairs were used to get away from enemies.
Inventors of everyday conveniences often go unknown, but their inventions are recognized when we utilize them. From peanut butter to stairs, we continue to innovate and come up with some of the craziest inventions.
Until next week, stay curious.
