In an era of constant innovation and discovery, we may not realize that most inventions take years to develop. But sometimes, all it takes is an accident. Here are 10 inventions we'd never be able to enjoy if not for an apparent mistake.
The Incan empire had a highly developed organizational system and a near limitless workforce that helped create a culture of wonders. So what are some of their inventions that we know about today? See more »
Edison, Bell, the Wright Brothers -- sure, their inventions changed the world, but they didn't tend to think up much for the kids. But that doesn't mean there haven't been some good ones over the years. So pick up your pogo stick and hop along to find out five of our favorites. See more »
Primitive batteries date back a lot longer than you might guess. But when were scientists finally able to produce and store electricity and then use it to create a continuous, controllable current? See more »
Google's headquarters is located in Mountain View, Calif., but it might as well be Mount Olympus given the company's wild success. Who is the man or woman behind the mountain? See more »
It seems like virtually everyone has a cell phone. In fact, you probably have one in your pocket right now. Many had the idea for the device, but only one could successfully introduce the gadget. Who was it? See more »
We'll give you two hints: This person of diverse interests also invented the cowcatcher device for trains, and he held a distinguished mathematics professorship at the University of Cambridge. Any guesses? See more »
Like so many other modern conveniences that we take for granted, the history of the elevator is more complicated than it may seem at first glance. Believe it or not, there's some controversy over who invented this commonplace contraption. See more »
Created more than a thousand years ago, they've affected warfare -- and society in general -- in ways almost no other weapon can match. So, who was the inventor? See more »
At one time, sharing files between computers meant carrying a box of punch cards from one machine to another. The Internet changed all that, but who's responsible for creating this network of networks? See more »
Many people consider Guglielmo Marconi the inventor of the radio. After all, he did get the Nobel Prize for it. But others credit Nikola Tesla because the Supreme Court upheld his patent for the invention of radio. So who should get the recognition? See more »
