The strangest forgotten inventions of the past century
Innovation often paves the path to progress, but not every invention manages to stand the test of time. Here, we delve into some of the quirkiest and most bizarre forgotten inventions from the past century that once held promise but ultimately faded into obscurity.
### The DynaTAC 8000X: The First Mobile Brick
Before sleek smartphones became ubiquitous, the DynaTAC 8000X was the groundbreaking device that introduced the world to mobile communication. Launched in 1983, this 'mobile brick' weighed almost 2 pounds and measured 10 inches tall without the antenna.
Despite its cumbersome size and limited functionality, the DynaTAC 8000X was revolutionary at the time. It cost nearly $4,000, a small fortune then. Unsurprisingly, as technology evolved, the massive, heavy device became a relic of the past.
### The Monowheel: A Single-Wheel Obsession
Invented in the late 19th century, the monowheel captured the imaginations of inventors and adventurers alike. Essentially a unicycle with the rider inside the wheel, the monowheel promised futuristic mobility, with its various designs reaching speeds of up to 30 mph.
Despite the enthusiasm, the monowheel never became more than a novelty. Steering and balance issues, combined with the uncomfortable riding experience, rendered it impractical for mainstream use.
### The Baby Cage: Urban Parenting's Lost Solution
In the UK's smog-choked cities of the 1930s, an innovative, albeit alarming, solution for urban parents emerged: the baby cage. This contraption attached to the exterior of a building, allowing infants to breathe clean air and catch sunlight while their mothers handled housework inside.
Though well-meaning, baby cages quickly raised safety concerns. A combination of anxiety and improvements in urban living conditions ultimately relegated the baby cage to the annals of odd history.
### The Electric Bath: Plain Dangerous
The turn of the century was a period of electrical curiosity and naivety, leading to the creation of the electric bath. This device combined water and electricity, claiming to relieve ailments like arthritis and improve overall health.
However, the inherent risk of combining electricity and water couldn't be overlooked. Numerous accidents and electrocutions confirmed the dangers, and electric baths were swiftly discontinued in favor of less perilous treatments.
### The Ice Mask: Cooling Face Fashion
In the 1940s, the cosmetic industry introduced an unusual beauty gadget: the ice mask. This peculiar device was a mask filled with icy water meant to tighten the skin and reduce puffiness.
Though some enjoyed temporary results, the discomfort and impracticality of freezing one's face led to the ice mask's decline. Modern skincare has since found more effective methods to achieve rejuvenation.
### The Toeless Shoe: Fashion Fad Fizzled Out
The toeless shoe was an eccentric fashion trend that peaked in the 1940s and 1950s. These shoes, designed to showcase polished toenails, had the front portion cut away, leaving the toes exposed.
Although briefly trendy, practical considerations and changing fashion tastes saw this style fade out. The toeless shoe remains a quirky footnote in fashion history.
### The Phone Answering Robot: Too Futuristic to Last
Long before answering machines, there was the phone answering robot in the mid-20th century. This mechanical marvel was designed to pick up calls, take messages, and even hold conversations.
Despite its novelty, practicality issues and the advent of simpler, more reliable answering solutions led to its quick demise. This early attempt at automated communication serves as a reminder of how quickly technology evolves.
### The Pedestrian Catcher: Turn-of-the-Century Safety Feature
During the early 1900s, an unusual invention called the pedestrian catcher was attached to automobiles. This contraption extended from the front of the vehicle to capture wayward pedestrians and prevent injury.
While the intention was noble, the implementation was flawed. The pedestrian catcher was cumbersome and ineffective, leading to its rapid abandonment. Enhanced traffic laws and vehicle safety features eventually addressed the underlying issue more effectively.
### The DynaTAC 8000X: The First Mobile Brick
Before sleek smartphones became ubiquitous, the DynaTAC 8000X was the groundbreaking device that introduced the world to mobile communication. Launched in 1983, this 'mobile brick' weighed almost 2 pounds and measured 10 inches tall without the antenna.
Despite its cumbersome size and limited functionality, the DynaTAC 8000X was revolutionary at the time. It cost nearly $4,000, a small fortune then. Unsurprisingly, as technology evolved, the massive, heavy device became a relic of the past.
### The Monowheel: A Single-Wheel Obsession
Invented in the late 19th century, the monowheel captured the imaginations of inventors and adventurers alike. Essentially a unicycle with the rider inside the wheel, the monowheel promised futuristic mobility, with its various designs reaching speeds of up to 30 mph.
Despite the enthusiasm, the monowheel never became more than a novelty. Steering and balance issues, combined with the uncomfortable riding experience, rendered it impractical for mainstream use.
### The Baby Cage: Urban Parenting's Lost Solution
In the UK's smog-choked cities of the 1930s, an innovative, albeit alarming, solution for urban parents emerged: the baby cage. This contraption attached to the exterior of a building, allowing infants to breathe clean air and catch sunlight while their mothers handled housework inside.
Though well-meaning, baby cages quickly raised safety concerns. A combination of anxiety and improvements in urban living conditions ultimately relegated the baby cage to the annals of odd history.
### The Electric Bath: Plain Dangerous
The turn of the century was a period of electrical curiosity and naivety, leading to the creation of the electric bath. This device combined water and electricity, claiming to relieve ailments like arthritis and improve overall health.
However, the inherent risk of combining electricity and water couldn't be overlooked. Numerous accidents and electrocutions confirmed the dangers, and electric baths were swiftly discontinued in favor of less perilous treatments.
### The Ice Mask: Cooling Face Fashion
In the 1940s, the cosmetic industry introduced an unusual beauty gadget: the ice mask. This peculiar device was a mask filled with icy water meant to tighten the skin and reduce puffiness.
Though some enjoyed temporary results, the discomfort and impracticality of freezing one's face led to the ice mask's decline. Modern skincare has since found more effective methods to achieve rejuvenation.
### The Toeless Shoe: Fashion Fad Fizzled Out
The toeless shoe was an eccentric fashion trend that peaked in the 1940s and 1950s. These shoes, designed to showcase polished toenails, had the front portion cut away, leaving the toes exposed.
Although briefly trendy, practical considerations and changing fashion tastes saw this style fade out. The toeless shoe remains a quirky footnote in fashion history.
### The Phone Answering Robot: Too Futuristic to Last
Long before answering machines, there was the phone answering robot in the mid-20th century. This mechanical marvel was designed to pick up calls, take messages, and even hold conversations.
Despite its novelty, practicality issues and the advent of simpler, more reliable answering solutions led to its quick demise. This early attempt at automated communication serves as a reminder of how quickly technology evolves.
### The Pedestrian Catcher: Turn-of-the-Century Safety Feature
During the early 1900s, an unusual invention called the pedestrian catcher was attached to automobiles. This contraption extended from the front of the vehicle to capture wayward pedestrians and prevent injury.
While the intention was noble, the implementation was flawed. The pedestrian catcher was cumbersome and ineffective, leading to its rapid abandonment. Enhanced traffic laws and vehicle safety features eventually addressed the underlying issue more effectively.