Women have played a significant role in shaping the course of history through their innovative ideas and groundbreaking inventions.
From enhancing safety to revolutionizing household chores, here are four remarkable inventions that changed the world, all thanks to the ingenuity of women.
20 Everyday Items You Didn’t Know Were Invented by Women
Glass Aquariums: Jeanne Villepreux-Power (1832)
Jeanne Villepreux-Power, a pioneering naturalist and marine biologist, revolutionized the study of aquatic organisms with her invention of the glass aquarium in 1832.
This invention provided invaluable insights into marine life, including the revelation that certain octopus species produce their shells—a discovery that reshaped scientific understanding.
Hand-Cranked Ice-Cream Maker: Nancy Johnson (1843)
Long before modern freezers, Nancy Johnson introduced the world to the joy of homemade ice cream with her hand-cranked ice-cream maker in 1843.
With a simple yet innovative design, this invention allowed people to indulge in frozen delights by manually churning a mixture of ice and cream—a timeless treat enjoyed by generations.
Modern Ironing Board: Sarah Boone (19th Century)
Sarah Boone, an African American dressmaker, redefined the art of ironing with her invention of the modern ironing board.
Before Boone’s innovation, ironing clothes was a cumbersome task performed on wooden planks.
Boone’s design, featuring a board tailored for sleeves, offered a convenient and effective solution, earning her a place in history as one of the first African American women to receive a patent.
Exterior Fire Escapes: Anna Connelly (1887)
In the late 19th century, as the construction of multilevel buildings surged, so did the risks associated with fires. Anna Connelly’s ingenious solution came in the form of exterior fire escapes, a concept she submitted to the patent office in 1887.
This invention provided a lifeline for people trapped in burning buildings, offering them a safe passage to adjacent structures or a means to descend using steel staircases.
Not only did Connelly’s invention save countless lives, but it also proved invaluable for firefighters, facilitating their efforts to combat blazes effectively.
Collapsible Life Rafts: Maria Beasley (1880)
Maria Beasley’s invention of collapsible life rafts in 1880 marked a significant advancement in transatlantic travel safety.
These innovative rafts, patented by Beasley, offered a space-saving alternative to traditional wooden lifeboats.
With the capacity to accommodate up to 47 individuals, Beasley’s life rafts introduced the concept of guard rails, enhancing passenger safety.
While some speculate about their potential use on the Titanic, author David H. Cropley clarifies in his book that Beasley’s design wasn’t implemented on the ill-fated ship.
Nonetheless, her invention remains a testament to her pioneering spirit and commitment to saving lives at sea.
Shark Repellent: Julia Child
Renowned American chef Julia Child, known for her culinary expertise, also left her mark on innovation with her unexpected invention of shark repellent.
During her tenure as a volunteer research assistant for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), precursor to the CIA, Child developed a shark repellent to aid in underwater operations.
This unexpected contribution not only showcased Child’s versatility but also underscored the importance of creativity in unconventional settings.
Commercial Dishwasher: Josephine Cochrane (1880s)
Josephine Cochrane‘s quest for efficiency led her to invent the first commercially successful dishwasher in the 1880s.
As a woman of means, Cochrane sought a solution to expedite dishwashing tasks, ultimately receiving a patent for her innovative dishwasher design.
Her invention revolutionized kitchen chores, particularly in restaurant and hotel settings, where time-saving devices were in high demand.
Cochrane’s entrepreneurial spirit further propelled her to establish a company that laid the groundwork for modern dishwasher manufacturing.
Windshield Wipers: Mary Anderson (1902)
Alabama native Mary Anderson’s moment of inspiration came on a snowy day in New York City in 1902.
Frustrated by the lack of a practical solution to clear snow from windshields, Anderson devised the concept for windshield wipers while riding a streetcar.
Her innovative “window cleaning device” earned her a patent in 1903, laying the foundation for a ubiquitous automotive accessory that enhances driver visibility and safety to this day.
Kevlar: Stephanie Kwolek (1965)
In 1965, chemist Stephanie Kwolek stunned the world with her creation of Kevlar, a synthetic fiber with remarkable strength and versatility.
Initially developed as a lightweight material for tires, Kwolek’s accidental discovery resulted in a fiber five times stronger than steel.
DuPont patented Kevlar the same year, and it has since found applications in diverse fields, from protective gear like bulletproof vests and military helmets to high-performance equipment such as racing sails.
The Landlord’s Game: Elizabeth Magie (1904)
Elizabeth Magie’s board game, “The Landlord’s Game,” served as a critique of monopolistic practices and wealth inequality when she invented it in 1904.
Designed to illustrate the consequences of unchecked capitalism, Magie’s game was a precursor to the iconic “Monopoly.”
Despite selling her patent for a mere $500, Magie’s legacy endures as her creation continues to entertain and educate players worldwide about economic principles and social justice.
Telecommunications Innovations: Shirley Ann Jackson
Renowned physicist Shirley Ann Jackson made groundbreaking contributions to telecommunications research, paving the way for essential features like caller ID and call waiting.
As one of the first African-American women to earn a doctorate from MIT, Jackson’s expertise and vision propelled advancements in communication technology during her tenure at AT&T Bell Laboratories.
Her pioneering work earned her the prestigious National Medal of Science in 2016, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the scientific community.
Gertrude Elion: Revolutionizing Drug Development
Gertrude Elion, alongside colleague George Hitchings, spearheaded innovations in drug development that have had a profound impact on modern medicine.
Their pioneering work in “rational drug design” led to the creation of some of the first effective treatments for diseases such as leukemia, herpes, and AIDS.
Elion’s discovery of azathioprine, an immunosuppressant crucial for organ transplant recipients, further cemented her legacy as a trailblazer in pharmaceutical research.
Margaret Knight: Inventor of the Paper Bag
Margaret Knight’s inventive spirit and resilience paved the way for one of the most ubiquitous items in modern society: the paper bag.
Despite facing attempts by others to steal her ideas, Knight successfully patented her machine for creating flat-bottomed paper bags in 1868.
This victory not only secured her place in history but also highlighted her ingenuity as a problem solver, a trait evident since her early years when she devised safety devices for cotton mills.
Lillian Gilbreth: Innovator in Household Appliances
Lillian Gilbreth’s innovative mind transformed everyday household tasks with inventions like the foot-pedal trash can and shelves inside refrigerator doors.
Alongside her husband Frank, she pioneered industrial management techniques aimed at enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Gilbreth’s legacy extends beyond her inventions; her groundbreaking work in ergonomics and time-motion studies laid the groundwork for modern efficiency and design principles.
Grace Murray Hopper: Pioneer in Computer Programming
Grace Murray Hopper’s contributions to computer science are nothing short of legendary.
As one of the first modern programmers, she played a pivotal role in the development of computer languages, most notably COBOL.
Hopper’s invention revolutionized business computing, making it more accessible and user-friendly. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire future generations of women in STEM fields.
Fiona Wood: Pioneer of Spray-On Skin
In the early 1990s, Dr. Fiona Wood transformed the field of burn treatment with her invention of spray-on skin.
Collaborating with medical scientist Marie Stoner, Wood developed ReCell, a revolutionary solution that allowed for the direct application of skin tissue onto burn victims.
This breakthrough not only accelerated the healing process but also garnered international recognition following its successful use in treating burn victims of the 2002 Bali terrorist attack.
Dr. Katharine Burr Blodgett: Innovator in Surface Chemistry
Dr. Katharine Burr Blodgett, an accomplished engineer, made significant contributions to surface chemistry, notably inventing non-reflective or “invisible” glass.
As the first woman to earn a doctorate in physics from Cambridge University, Blodgett’s research paved the way for advancements in optics and cinematography.
Her inventions, including non-reflective coatings for eyeglasses, revolutionized various industries and contributed to advancements in military technology during World War II.
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Marion Donovan: Revolutionizing Baby Care with Disposable Diapers
Marion Donovan challenged the status quo of baby care in the 1940s with her invention of the disposable diaper. Initially met with skepticism from male-dominated manufacturing circles, Donovan’s waterproof diaper cover, dubbed the “Boater,” quickly gained popularity for its convenience and effectiveness.
Although her disposable paper diaper concept didn’t gain traction initially, it laid the groundwork for future innovations in baby care, culminating in the creation of Pampers by Victor Mills.
Ruth Wakefield: The Sweet Origins of the Chocolate-Chip Cookie
Ruth Wakefield stumbled upon culinary history in 1930 when she invented the first chocolate-chip cookie by accident.
Experimenting in her kitchen at the Toll House Inn, Wakefield substituted baker’s chocolate with a semi-sweet Nestlé chocolate bar, resulting in the creation of the iconic cookie.
Dubbed “Chocolate Crunch Cookies,” Wakefield’s recipe gained widespread popularity, eventually leading Nestlé to feature it on their chocolate bar wrappers.
The Revolutionary Invention of Marie Van Brittan Brown
In the tumultuous era of the 1960s, amidst rising crime rates and sluggish police responses, Marie Van Brittan Brown emerged as a trailblazing inventor, revolutionizing home security with her groundbreaking invention.
Here’s a closer look at how Van Brittan Brown’s ingenuity changed the landscape of home safety forever.
Marie Van Brittan Brown, a dedicated nurse residing in Queens, New York City, found herself increasingly concerned about the safety of her home and community.
Frustrated by the lack of effective security measures and the delayed responses from law enforcement, she embarked on a mission to devise a solution that would empower homeowners to protect themselves proactively.
The Birth of the Home Security System
In collaboration with her husband, Albert Brown, an electronics technician, Marie Van Brittan Brown conceptualized the world’s first home security system.
Their invention, born out of necessity and innovation, aimed to provide homeowners with a comprehensive means of monitoring and safeguarding their properties against intruders.
In 1966, Marie and Albert Brown filed a patent for their pioneering security device, outlining its intricate mechanisms and functionalities.
Three years later, in 1969, their efforts culminated in the approval of their patent, marking a significant milestone in the realm of home security technology.
Celebrating Women’s Ingenuity and Legacy
The contributions of these pioneering women exemplify the transformative power of innovation and perseverance. Their inventions not only improved safety and efficiency but also challenged societal norms, paving the way for future generations of inventors.