unexpected facts about everyday objects
We often take the everyday objects around us for granted, rarely considering their surprising backstories. Let’s dive into some unexpected facts about items you encounter daily that might just change the way you see them.
Doorknobs: When was the last time you thought about a doorknob? Unassuming as they may appear, these ubiquitous objects are subtly designed for more than just functionality. Brass doorknobs, for example, self-disinfect. Brass kills bacteria within hours due to its oligodynamic effect, making it a practical choice for public buildings long before germ theory became common knowledge.
Paper Clips: The story of the common paper clip is one of innovation under extreme conditions. During World War II, Norwegian resistance members used paper clips as a symbol of solidarity. It was a discreet way to communicate unity against the German occupation, as wearing any symbols or flags was banned.
Microwaves: The microwave oven's origin is a fascinating twist of fate. In 1945, engineer Percy Spencer was working on radar technology, which used magnetrons. During an experiment, he discovered that a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted. Intrigued, he began experimenting with different foods and realized the potential for a cooking device that would revolutionize home kitchens.
Post-it Notes: Post-it Notes were a result of a fortunate mistake. In 1968, a chemist named Spencer Silver at 3M was attempting to create a super-strong adhesive but ended up with a low-tack, reusable, pressure-sensitive adhesive instead. It wasn't until a few years later that his colleague, Art Fry, thought of using this adhesive to anchor his bookmark in his hymn book, and thus the Post-it Note was born.
Q-tips: Q-tips were inspired by a father’s desire to care for his baby safely. In the early 1920s, Leo Gerstenzang watched his wife use a toothpick with cotton wool to clean their infant’s ears and thought there must be a better way. He created “Baby Gays,” which evolved into the Q-tips we know today.
Watches: The wristwatch's military origins are lesser-known. During World War I, soldiers needed to synchronize tactics, check on artillery bombardments, and keep track of time while keeping their hands free. This practical necessity led to the development and widespread use of wristwatches, which were previously considered a woman’s accessory. After the war, the utility and style of wristwatches made them popular among men as well.
Velcro: Inspired by nature, Velcro was invented by George de Mestral, a Swiss engineer. In 1941, after a walk in the woods, he noticed how burrs clung to his dog’s fur. Under a microscope, he observed the tiny hooks on the burrs that latched onto anything loop-shaped. It took years, but he eventually created the hook-and-loop fastener system we use in everything from shoes to space suits.
Umbrellas: Umbrella origins are deeper than just weather protection. In ancient civilizations like Egypt, umbrellas were symbols of status and protection from the sun for the elite. It was much later that they became common as rain protection. Interestingly, the word ‘umbrella’ comes from the Latin ‘umbra,’ meaning shade or shadow.
Jeans: The sturdy fabric of jeans is intertwined with the story of American ingenuity and mining. Levi Strauss, in partnership with tailor Jacob Davis, created the first pair of jeans in the 1870s. They used rivets to reinforce pockets, making them durable for miners. Now, jeans are a global fashion staple, but their roots are in the Gold Rush of the American West.
Toilet paper: The history of toilet paper is surprisingly modern. While humans have always used various means for hygiene, the first commercially available toilet paper was manufactured in 1857 by Joseph Gayetty. His “Medicated Paper” was aloe-infused. The roll we know today was patented in 1891 by Seth Wheeler.
These insights into everyday objects not only illuminate their history but also highlight human ingenuity. So next time you use one of these items, remember that there’s more to them than meets the eye.
Doorknobs: When was the last time you thought about a doorknob? Unassuming as they may appear, these ubiquitous objects are subtly designed for more than just functionality. Brass doorknobs, for example, self-disinfect. Brass kills bacteria within hours due to its oligodynamic effect, making it a practical choice for public buildings long before germ theory became common knowledge.
Paper Clips: The story of the common paper clip is one of innovation under extreme conditions. During World War II, Norwegian resistance members used paper clips as a symbol of solidarity. It was a discreet way to communicate unity against the German occupation, as wearing any symbols or flags was banned.
Microwaves: The microwave oven's origin is a fascinating twist of fate. In 1945, engineer Percy Spencer was working on radar technology, which used magnetrons. During an experiment, he discovered that a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted. Intrigued, he began experimenting with different foods and realized the potential for a cooking device that would revolutionize home kitchens.
Post-it Notes: Post-it Notes were a result of a fortunate mistake. In 1968, a chemist named Spencer Silver at 3M was attempting to create a super-strong adhesive but ended up with a low-tack, reusable, pressure-sensitive adhesive instead. It wasn't until a few years later that his colleague, Art Fry, thought of using this adhesive to anchor his bookmark in his hymn book, and thus the Post-it Note was born.
Q-tips: Q-tips were inspired by a father’s desire to care for his baby safely. In the early 1920s, Leo Gerstenzang watched his wife use a toothpick with cotton wool to clean their infant’s ears and thought there must be a better way. He created “Baby Gays,” which evolved into the Q-tips we know today.
Watches: The wristwatch's military origins are lesser-known. During World War I, soldiers needed to synchronize tactics, check on artillery bombardments, and keep track of time while keeping their hands free. This practical necessity led to the development and widespread use of wristwatches, which were previously considered a woman’s accessory. After the war, the utility and style of wristwatches made them popular among men as well.
Velcro: Inspired by nature, Velcro was invented by George de Mestral, a Swiss engineer. In 1941, after a walk in the woods, he noticed how burrs clung to his dog’s fur. Under a microscope, he observed the tiny hooks on the burrs that latched onto anything loop-shaped. It took years, but he eventually created the hook-and-loop fastener system we use in everything from shoes to space suits.
Umbrellas: Umbrella origins are deeper than just weather protection. In ancient civilizations like Egypt, umbrellas were symbols of status and protection from the sun for the elite. It was much later that they became common as rain protection. Interestingly, the word ‘umbrella’ comes from the Latin ‘umbra,’ meaning shade or shadow.
Jeans: The sturdy fabric of jeans is intertwined with the story of American ingenuity and mining. Levi Strauss, in partnership with tailor Jacob Davis, created the first pair of jeans in the 1870s. They used rivets to reinforce pockets, making them durable for miners. Now, jeans are a global fashion staple, but their roots are in the Gold Rush of the American West.
Toilet paper: The history of toilet paper is surprisingly modern. While humans have always used various means for hygiene, the first commercially available toilet paper was manufactured in 1857 by Joseph Gayetty. His “Medicated Paper” was aloe-infused. The roll we know today was patented in 1891 by Seth Wheeler.
These insights into everyday objects not only illuminate their history but also highlight human ingenuity. So next time you use one of these items, remember that there’s more to them than meets the eye.