It’s hard to imagine a world without Coca-Cola, Post-its, or Velcro, but have you ever stopped to wonder how and when these items came to be? Accidental Inventions reveals the fascinating stories behind the toys, foods, gadgets, and tools we now consider indispensable. From peanut butter to penicillin, roller skates to radioactivity, dozens of essential inventions are spotlighted. Fully illustrated with over 240 photos, Accidental Inventions traces the path from inception to “ah ha!” for more than 60 products, and introduces the cast of clever, hardworking inventors behind them. Engaging narrative and colorful design make these stories accessible to readers of all ages, illuminating the happy collision of accident and inspiration that would profoundly change our lives.

Many of the things discovered by accident are important in our everyday lives: Teflon, Velcro, nylon, x-rays, penicillin, safety glass, sugar substitutes, and polyethylene and other plastics. And we owe a debt to accident for some of our deepest scientific knowledge, including Newton's theory of gravitation, the Big Bang theory of Creation, and the discovery of DNA. Even the Rosetta Stone, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the ruins of Pompeii came to light through chance. This book tells the fascinating stories of these and other discoveries and reveals how the inquisitive human mind turns accident into discovery. Written for the layman, yet scientifically accurate, this illuminating collection of anecdotes portrays invention and discovery as quintessentially human acts, due in part to curiosity, perserverance, and luck.

Did you know Band-Aids were invented by accident?! And that they weren't mass-produced until the Boy Scouts gave their seal of approval? 1920s cotton buyer Earle Dickson worked for Johnson & Johnson and had a klutzy wife who often cut herself. The son of a doctor, Earle set out to create an easier way for her to bandage her injuries. Band-Aids were born, but Earle's bosses at the pharmaceutical giant weren't convinced, and it wasn't until the Boy Scouts of America tested Earle's prototype that this ubiquitous household staple was made available to the public. Soon Band-Aids were selling like hotcakes, and the rest is boo-boo history. "Appealingly designed and illustrated, an engaging, fun story" — Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW

Did you know? - Ice-lollies were invented when a little boy left a glass of soda water out on a chilly night. - Potato chips were the result of a chef wanting to teach an annoying customer a lesson. - And sandwiches were made when an Earl did not want to get his hands dirty while eating. This book is about the good stuff. The wonderful inventions we now cannot live without-from high-heels to tea-bags, pencils to x-rays, each story is an amazing mix of luck and a whole lot of perseverance and hard work. Imagine what our hot summers would be without ice-lolly? The horrors of never tasting potatochips! What would we do without our quick-fix Superglue? We hardly give a thought to the many little things we use every day. Don't you think it's time we learnt about a few stories of origin? Where do they come from? Who invented them and how? Learn about 51 fascinating stories of inventions in a book blending adorable, simple illustrations with lively text bursting with facts. Who knows, you might accidentally come up with an invention one day too!

25 Accidental Inventions, by Mistake, that Changed the World Many of the inventions we use in our everyday lives originate from unexpected moments, when scientists, engineers and inventors stumbled upon brilliant solutions while pursuing other goals. From the creation of Penicillin to the discovery of X-rays, and from Microwaves to Hot Air Balloons, our world is full of fascinating stories of happy accidents that revolutionized the way we live. This book will reveal 25 unique stories of how unforeseen circumstances, error and curiosity gave rise to technologies and products that changed the course of history. Inspiring stories that celebrate human creativity and remind us that sometimes it is through trial and error that we end up finding the most brilliant solutions. Discover how chance can combine with creativity. Get his amazing Gift for a Curious Mind.

Many of the world’s most important and life-saving devices and techniques were often discovered purely by accident. Serendipity, timing, and luck played a part in the discovery of unintentional cures and breakthroughs: A plastic shard in an RAF pilot’s eye leads to the use of plastic for contact lenses. The inability to remove a titanium chamber from rabbit’s bone leads to dental implants. Viagra was discovered by a group of chemists, working in the lab to find a new drug to alleviate the pain of angina pectoris. A stretch of five weeks of unusually warm weather in 1928 played a role in assisting Dr. Alexander Fleming in his analysis of bacterial growth and the discovery of penicillin. After studying the effects of the venom injected by the bite of a deadly pit viper snake, chemists developed a groundbreaking drug that works to control blood pressure. Accidental Medical Discoveries is an entertaining and enlightening look at the creation of 25 medical inventions that have changed the world – unintentionally. The book is presented in a lively and engaging way, and will appeal to a wide variety of readers, from history buffs to trivia fanatics to those in the medical profession.

The greatest discoveries are made outside the classroom! Learn all about mistakes that changed the world with this collection of the strange stories behind everyday inventions! It's no accident that you'll love this book! SANDWICHES came about when an English earl was too busy gambling to eat his meal and needed to keep one hand free. POTATO CHIPS were first cooked by a chef who was furious when a customer complained that his fried potatoes weren’t thin enough. Coca-Cola, Silly Putty, and X rays have fascinating stories behind them too! Their unusual tales, and many more, along with hilarious cartoons and weird, amazing facts, make up this fun-filled book about everyday items that had surprisingly haphazard beginnings. And don't miss Eat Your Words about the fascinating language of food! “A splendid book that is as informative as it is entertaining . . . a gem.” —Booklist, Starred Review

The Accidental Scientist explores the role of chance and error in scientific, medical and commercial innovation, outlining exactly how some of the most well-known products, gadgets and useful gizmos came to be.

Science has made some incredible things possible. Many medications, technology, and scientific theory are well known, while others remain inventions of the imagination. Through engaging text enhanced by whimsical color illustrations and a fun quiz, readers can discover just how much they know about the history of science.

With magnificent dioramic illustrations, Gilbert Ford captures the joy, creativity, and determination behind the invention of an iconic, one-of-a-kind toy: the Slinky! One day, a spring fell from the desk of Richard James, an engineer and a dreamer. Its coils took a walk…and so did Richard’s imagination. He knew right away that he had stumbled onto something marvelous. With the help of his wife, Betty, Richard took this ordinary spring and turned it into a plaything. But it wasn’t just any old trinket—it was a Slinky, and it would become one of the most popular toys in American history.