10 accidental discoveries that changed the world

It’s no secret that the best ideas often come to us when we least expect them to. For some it may be on the drive home from work or in the middle of the night, while others may have their lightbulb moments while taking ‘time out’ in the bathroom. The ancient Greek mathematician A rchimedes was in the latter group, having famously realised how to measure the volume of irregular objects while taking a bath. When he climbed in, the water level rose, and it occurred to him that the volume of water displaced must be equal to his own. How he maintained his reputation after running naked through the streets screaming ‘Eureka’, we’re not sure!

It’s not just ideas that can come to us by chance; sometimes it’s a physical invention. While it’s true that most of histor y’s greatest discoveries were made after years of painstaking research, others happened completely by accident. Take the humble ice lolly, for example. A rguably a lifesav ing invention during the hot summer months, it was initially the result of a failed attempt at making soda. In 1905, an 11-year-old boy called Frank Epperson had been trying to make himself a sugary beverage, but left his concoction outside overnight with the stirrer still in the cup. Being the middle of w inter, the liquid froze, and in the morning Frank enjoyed a frozen treat on a stick. Eighteen years later, he realised the commercial possibilities his accidental invention could have, and he began selling them on California beaches.

So whether it’s the result of a clumsy spill or a contaminated laborator y, accidental inventions are just a slapdash scientist away, as long as they are able to realise the potential. Naked celebrations are, of course, optional.