Chapter 1
Lifesaving mistakes in the lab
Chapter 2
Kitchen blunders that tasted delicious
Chapter 3
Sticky materials that solved sticky situations
Chapter 4
Playful failures that became legendary toys
Ch 4 · Playful failures that became legendary toys
misslily Accidental Toy Inventions
A heavy ship spring slipped and started to stride, Now it's walking down the stairs with a rhythmic glide.
misslily Kutol rebranded its failing Cincinnati soot-cleaning dough for school art projects after clean gas heating destroyed original sales
misslily The accidental fall of a naval prototype in Philadelphia launched a global toy.
Quiz
What was Richard James's original goal when he was designing the springs that became the Slinky?
Fun Fact
Slinky in space: In 1985, astronauts on the Space Shuttle Discovery tested a Slinky in zero gravity, finding it wouldn't walk at all.
Quiz
Which two chemical substances did James Wright mix to create the first Silly Putty?
Quiz
What iconic packaging did Peter Hodgson choose for Silly Putty to coincide with its Easter launch?
Glossary
slinky (noun)
A toy consisting of a helical spring that can travel down a flight of stairs. In 1943, naval engineer Richard James accidentally knocked a tension spring off a shelf, inspiring the toy.
A toy consisting of a helical spring that can travel down a flight of stairs. In 1943, naval engineer Richard James accidentally knocked a tension spring off a shelf, inspiring the toy.
Quiz
Which tech giant was the first major customer to use Bubble Wrap for shipping fragile computer systems?
Quiz
What everyday household items did Fielding and Chavannes seal together to make their first prototype?