INVENTIONS

The World's First Vending Machine Dispensed Holy Water

The mechanisms inside wouldn't be widely seen again for thousands of years.

The World's First Vending Machine Dispensed Holy Water

The mechanisms inside wouldn't be widely seen again for thousands of years.

(From left to right) Brent Spiner, Patrick Stewart, and Michael Dorn in Star Trek: Insurrection (1998).

12 Star Trek Gadgets That Now Exist

Universal translators, tablet computer, and these other gadgets arrived even sooner than Star Trek's writers imagined.

Franz Reichelt is now remembered as the "flying tailor."

6 Inventors Killed by Their Own Inventions

From the man who died because of a failed parachute suit to the daredevil who perished in a stunt gone wrong, sometimes brilliance comes with a price.

Why Are Car Air Fresheners Shaped Like Trees?

Their inventor originally wanted them in the shape of a curvaceous, kneeling woman.

Will Following Advice From a 1988 Book On Fads Make Me a Millionaire?

Like a good fad, good advice is timeless.

Remembering Daniel Thompson, Inventor of the Bagel-Making Machine

Thompson's creation sped up the manufacturing process—and revolutionized the American diet.

The 13-Year-Old Who Invented a LEGO Braille Printer

The LEGO printer will help make Braille more accessible.

World’s First Pentacontakaitetracopter Takes Flight

Can 54 drone rotors be assembled in such a way that they lift a seated human being into the air for a sustained period of time?

21 Failed Inventions

On this week's List Show episode, Mike looks back on some of history's not-so-bright ideas. (Remember the flying Ford Pinto?)

How to hang a roll of toilet paper is a surprisingly controversial subject.

The Proper Way to Hang a Roll of Toilet Paper

A 132-year-old patent solves a persistent bathroom debate.

Bring Back the Thor Automagic, the 1940s Hybrid Clothes/Dishwasher

The dream of a combination dishwasher and washing machine came alive in the 1940s.

10 Off-the-Wall Patents From History

Why the wearable hamster cage didn't take off, we don't know.

The Man Who Invented the Spork

The combo spoon/fork's inventor was a rich New York doctor with a string of wacky patents.

How the Government Plans to Prevent Drunk Driving

The Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Origin Story of the Ballpoint Pen

Hungarian brothers László and György Bíró are credited with inventing the pen we still use today.

Where Did the Paperweight Come From?

Get Sucked In With These 11 Facts About the History of the Vacuum Cleaner

"The Myriad Reflector": The Early, Forgotten Disco Ball

The Terrifying Men, Women, and Children of Water Slide Patent Illustrations

A New Umbrella Keeps You Dry on a Rainy Day

16 Bizarro Ads From Scientific American, December 1881

Cure asthma, deafness, and bronchitis! And grow hair anywhere with Dyke's Beard Elixir! Ripped from the pages of a 19th-century marvel.

The Secret to Homaro Cantu's Genius

When you think of madcap inventors and nerd heroes, it's hard to think of someone more inspiring than Homaro Cantu.

How to Make the Best Paper Airplane Ever (That Isn't Paper)

Want to see a glider that flies forever? (Or at least until a tiny gust of wind comes along....) BEHOLD!

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