- Leonardo da Vinci – The Giant Crossbow
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519), renowned for his genius in art and engineering, designed a giant crossbow intended as a psychological weapon. Measuring 25 meters in width and mounted on six wheels for mobility, this invention aimed to intimidate enemies rather than deliver lethal blows. Though never built in his lifetime, American researchers brought it to life in 2010, proving its functionality.
- Benjamin Franklin – Wooden Swimming Fins
At age 11, Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) created wooden swimming fins to enhance his swimming speed. Shaped like painter’s palettes and worn on the hands, these fins improved propulsion but caused wrist fatigue. Despite their simplicity, Franklin’s passion for swimming led to his later induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1968.
- Justus von Liebig – Meat Extract Tablets
Justus von Liebig (1803–1873), a pioneer in chemistry, developed meat extract tablets, a precursor to modern bouillon cubes. Originally intended to provide affordable nutrition to the poor, Liebig’s invention faced high production costs, limiting its accessibility. Nonetheless, the product became popular for seasoning and cooking, shaping the future of the food industry.
- Alexander Graham Bell – Metal Detector
Alexander Graham Bell (1847–1922), famed for inventing the telephone, created one of the earliest metal detectors in 1881 to locate a bullet in President James Garfield. Despite its innovation, the detector was hindered by metal wires in the President’s bed. Though it failed at the time, Bell’s work paved the way for modern metal-detection technology.
- Thomas Edison – Talking Doll
Thomas Edison (1847–1931), known for his entrepreneurial spirit, introduced a talking doll in 1888 by incorporating a phonograph into the toy. However, its eerie, distorted voice when low on battery scared children, leading to poor sales and the product’s quick disappearance from the market.
- Nikola Tesla – Remote-Controlled Boat
Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) demonstrated a remote-controlled boat in 1898 at Madison Square Garden. Featuring a rudder, propeller, and antennas, the invention amazed the audience, though many dismissed it as sorcery or a trained monkey at work. Tesla envisioned military applications for his invention, including remote-controlled submarines, but his ideas were ahead of their time and not embraced.
- Joseph Priestley – Carbonated Water
Joseph Priestley (1733–1804), a chemist and theologian, discovered how to create carbonated water by infusing water with carbon dioxide from fermenting beer. Initially believed to treat scurvy, Priestley’s fizzy water became a popular beverage, laying the foundation for the modern soft drink industry.
- James Watt – Copying Press
James Watt (1736–1819), a key figure of the Industrial Revolution, invented a copying press to duplicate documents quickly. The mechanism, considered a precursor to modern photocopiers, made document replication more efficient and found applications in business and administration.
- Walther Hermann Nernst – Electric Piano
Walther Hermann Nernst (1864–1941), a Nobel-winning chemist, collaborated with Bechstein and Siemens to develop the first electric piano. This early model lacked speakers and used thin wires and hammers to produce sound. Later iterations included radios and recording features, influencing modern electronic musical instruments.
- Edmond Halley – Life Table
Edmond Halley (1656–1742), known for identifying Halley’s Comet, also invented the Life Table, a demographic tool that statistically analyzed birth, death, and migration rates. This invention revolutionized population studies and remains a foundation for modern actuarial science and public planning.
These “forgotten” creations reflect the inventiveness of great minds, showcasing their curiosity and willingness to explore diverse fields beyond their iconic achievements. Some may not have achieved fame, but all contributed to human progress in unique ways.
