Description
The first fax machine was invented in 1843. The paper industry owes its existence to the wasp. Teflon was developed for the atom bomb. Looking at scientific discoveries and the accidental ways in which they have led to some of the most important inventions, this book sheds light on all those inventions people now take for granted. Ira Flatow tells of the personalities and intrigue involved in history’s most important discoveries. Ben Franklin only ventured out in the rain with his kite after doing his research and writing a major paper on electricity. People laughed at Alexander Graham Bell and his “trivial toy” when he offered them the telephone. Also included are accounts of the inventions of vaseline and hook and loop saccharin and submarines.
