7 brilliant inventions created by accident

march 29, 2025

Images: Shutterstock, Pexels

Many brilliant inventions throughout history have been the result of happy accidents. Here are 7 accidental inventions that are cherished globally today.

American engineer Percy Spencer invented the microwave oven after noticing a chocolate bar melting in his pocket near a radar magnetron in 1945. 

Microwave oven

American scientist Spencer Silver accidentally invented a weak adhesive in 1968, which was later used by Arthur Fry to create Post-it Notes. 

Post-it Notes

In 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen noticed unknown radiation passing through solid objects. He named them X-rays and revolutionised medical imaging.

X-rays

Pharmacist John Pemberton accidentally created Coca-Cola in 1886, which was initially meant to be a medicinal ‘brain tonic’ and an ideal temperance drink. 

Coca-Cola

In 1928, Scottish physician Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin when he noticed that mold in a petri dish prevented the growth of bacteria. 

Penicillin

American engineer Wilson Greatbatch mistakenly used the wrong resistor in a circuit, leading to the creation of the first implantable pacemaker in 1956. 

Implantable pacemaker

Harry Coover mistakenly invented Super Glue during World War II when he discovered cyanoacrylate, a powerful adhesive that stuck to everything. 

Super Glue

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