dynamite

Accidental Invention: Dynamite

You’re probably familiar with the Nobel Prize – one of the most iconic awards an individual can receive in science and humanities. But did you know that the award’s namesake, Alfred Nobel, invented dynamite? This explosive creation was one of his earliest and most notable inventions.


The accidental invention of dynamite begins with a quest to tame a highly volatile and explosive chemical and transform it into a controlled and practical tool for demolition projects. This journey of discovery not only revolutionized industries but also raised profound ethical questions about the dual nature of scientific inventions – their capacity to build and destroy.

Taming Volatile Chemicals

In the mid-19th century, Swedish chemist and engineer Alfred Nobel worked with nitroglycerin, a highly volatile and explosive liquid. He attempted to find a safe and manageable way to harness nitroglycerin’s explosive power for construction and mining purposes and control its detonation.

During this process, he created a detonator called a “blasting cap,” which contained mercury fulminate that would explode via heat or shock and activate the nitroglycerin. While his device was promising, the chemical was still highly unsafe to handle and transport.

Nobel’s breakthrough came in 1867 when he discovered, by chance, that by mixing nitroglycerin with an absorbent material like diatomaceous earth, he could create a much more stable and controllable explosive compound. This invention was the birth of dynamite.

An Explosive Invention

After Nobel’s first monumental creation, he was inspired to continue developing more useful explosive products. One significant invention was “gelignite,” a gelatinous explosive that was even more stable than dynamite and could be molded into various shapes, making it ideal for construction and mining. Another was ballistite, one of the first smokeless black powders, which served as a propellant and was the precursor to cordite.

While dynamite is no longer the primary explosive used in many applications, it still finds purpose in various fields. In mining, it is used for controlled blasts to break rock and extract valuable minerals and resources. In controlled building demolitions, it can bring down structures efficiently and safely. In construction, it can be used for excavating foundations, modifying landscapes, and opening tunnels for transportation.

The Legacy of Dynamite and Alfred Nobel

The invention of dynamite forever changed construction, mining, and demolition fields, making large-scale projects more feasible and efficient. However, its history is also marked by its destructive potential, often associated with warfare and terrorism due to the devastating effects it can cause for humans and the earth.

Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, was deeply affected by its dual nature – useful for both practical and destructive purposes. In his later years, he established the Nobel Prizes, using his fortune to recognize and reward contributions to humanity in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace. This was his attempt to leave a legacy that transcended the destructive power of his most famous invention.

While its usage has evolved over the years, the history of dynamite serves as a powerful symbol of the potential consequences, both positive and negative, of scientific discovery. No matter how useful an invention may be, it is important to remember that great responsibility comes with great power (and knowledge).

If you enjoyed this accidental invention story, you might also enjoy the ones about implantable pacemakers, super glue, and x-ray machines.


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Accidental Invention: Post-it® Notes

Since their introduction in 1980, Post-it® Notes have become indispensable for communication, collaboration, and creativity. But did you know they resulted from a “failure” and the ingenuity of one scientist combined with the innovation and persistence of another?


Post-it® Notes, those small sticky pieces of paper now ubiquitous in offices and homes worldwide, are perfect for quick note-taking, doodling, and leaving reminders wherever needed. They are a testament to the ingenuity of inventors and the way a simple idea can turn into something even more helpful than expected.

An Idea that Stuck

In the early 1960s, 3M scientist Dr. Spencer Silver tried to develop a new class of adhesives but ended up creating microspheres – a weak, pressure-sensitive adhesive instead. While it wasn’t exactly what he set out to create, he saw the potential in his invention and spent years trying to find a practical application for it. He even shared his invention with colleagues at 3M to help brainstorm ideas, but initially, no one was interested.

That is until a fellow 3M employee named Art Fry came up with the idea to use the weak adhesive to create a bookmark for his hymnal that wouldn’t fall out. He then considered using the adhesive for paper notes, and the first “Press ‘n Peel” was born.

The product initially struggled to gain consumer interest, but 3M soon introduced a new marketing strategy: the “Boise Blitz,” changing the name to “Post-it® Notes” and giving them away to focus groups in 12 different states. Following this campaign, it was evident that the product had enough potential to be officially released.

A Noteworthy Product

As soon as they hit the shelves in 1980, Post-it® Notes quickly became a hit, seamlessly integrating into the modern world of work and communication and becoming a note-taking staple in schools, offices, and homes everywhere. They were practical and promoted creativity and collaboration, used as a tool for brainstorming and sharing ideas.

Even today, with the rise of the internet and digital communication, it might seem like physical notes would become obsolete. Still, the simplicity and tactile nature of Post-it® Notes has kept them relevant. They have also evolved to meet the needs of the modern world. There are now Post-it® Notes designed for use with digital tools, such as the Post-it® App, which allows users to capture and organize their notes digitally.

A Hand-Written Success Story

Beyond their original purpose in work and educational spaces, Post-it® Notes have also been used for everything from fashion to art installations. During London Fashion Week in 2017, Fyodor Golan sent several models down the runway in Post-it® themed clothing. In June 2020, a mural called “Stick Together Houston” was created using Post-it® Notes that read “RESILIENT,” with the name of a “resilient” individual on each piece of paper.

Today, the Post-it® brand boasts over 1,000 products and is sold in over 150 countries worldwide – a feat even the inventors never expected. In an interview, Dr. Silver said, “The fact that they’ve just exploded as a product is more than I could ever hope for.”

The creation of Post-it® Notes by Spencer Silver and Art Fry is a reminder that sometimes the greatest inventions result from a happy accident. They are an example of the power of perseverance and the ability to see the potential in an invention, even if it wasn’t initially intended for that purpose.

If you enjoyed this accidental invention story, you might also like the ones about silly putty and microwave ovens.


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Inventions Ahead of Their Time: Vending Machines

While vending machines are sometimes seen as an example of modern conveniences and consumerism, they are not recent inventions. The very first iteration was designed over TWO THOUSAND years ago!


Vending machines have become a common fixture outside stores, schools, office buildings, and many other places, dispensing everything from snacks to clothing. We have several inventors to thank for this, whose ideas evolved significantly into the machines we utilize today.

A Drachma for Some Water

At some point around the mid-first century (as in when years were in double digits!), a Greek inventor by the name of Heron of Alexandria was searching for a way to efficiently dispense holy water to temple-goers to ensure they did not take more than their fair share.

After some experimentation, Heron created a machine that used the weight of an inserted coin to temporarily hold down a lever that opened and closed a door that the water came out of. This made the whole process automatic and turned holy water into a source of revenue for priests. While the design was an effective solution, it surprisingly was not developed further until hundreds of years later.

Automatic Selling Devices

Another version of these machines was seen in the early 17th century when coin-activated snuff and tobacco boxes became prevalent in English inns and taverns. However, these contraptions were slightly different and operated more like the “honor system” newspaper dispensers we see today. When a patron inserted their payment, a lever would open the lid, and they would be trusted to take the equivalent product they paid for.

Several more iterations were developed to sell additional products such as stamps, handkerchiefs, cigarettes, postcards, and even fortunes. Some of the first patents for the “fully-automatic selling devices” were awarded to Simeon Denham in England, Carlade in Germany, Percival Everitt in the United Kingdom, and W. H. Fruen in The United States.

Finally, in 1888, Thomas Adams, founder of the Adams Gum Company, created a machine that dispensed packs of Tutti-Frutti chewing gum and was placed on the platforms of New York rail stations. The venture was incredibly successful and began “practical vending” in America.

Machines of Convenience

Vending machines were a marvel, as they offered a new way of distributing goods that didn’t require a salesperson or cashier. The convenience of purchasing goods 24/7 without human interaction was a game-changer. And as a result, vending machines quickly became popular in the early 1900s, and by the 1920s, they were prevalent in train stations, post offices, and factories.

In the following century, vending machines continued to evolve and, today, dispense everything from snacks and drinks to personal care items and electronics. They’ve also become more sophisticated, with digital screens and cashless payment options, and can even make fresh foods like pizza, milkshakes, and coffee. As of 2021, the global vending machine industry is estimated to be worth nearly $52 billion and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

These innovative machines were an invention ahead of their time, revolutionizing how goods are distributed and significantly benefitting both consumers and merchants alike. They will likely evolve as technology advances, making them even more convenient and accessible to the public.

For more stories about food-related appliances, check out Mothers Of Invention: Josephine Cochrane And The Dishwasher and Accidental Invention: Microwave Oven.


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Inventions Ahead of Their Time: Heinz’s Switch to Electricity

Quick! What’s the first brand name that comes to mind when you think of ketchup? If you said anything other than Heinz, we’d be surprised. Heinz has been a beloved condiment brand for over 150 years, largely thanks to its continuous innovative use of efficient energy sources.


Heinz is a well-known global food company renowned for producing a wide variety of unique sauces and other condiments.

A little over a century ago, Heinz’s switch from steam power to electricity was a significant turning point for the company and the food industry as a whole, as it paved the way for further improvements in production processes and set the stage for the continued use of different forms of energy in the future.

Running on Manpower

When Heinz began its operations in 1869, it mainly relied on manual labor and steam power. This meant that much of the production process was done by hand, with workers performing tasks such as peeling, cutting, and cooking ingredients. Steam power was used to run equipment such as boilers and pumps, providing the necessary energy for production.

This method of operation was typical for food companies at the time, but it had several limitations. It was labor-intensive, time-consuming, and often resulted in inconsistent quality and output. As a result, businesses were eager to improve their operations and increase efficiency. The use of electrical power offered a solution to these challenges, and many companies, including Heinz, enthusiastically made the switch.

Operating with Electricity

While the move from steam power to electricity was an enticing prospect, it had to occur gradually over time. The process involved the installation of new and complicated electrical infrastructure, such as generators and power distribution systems, and procuring of new electrically-powered machines. The company also needed to train its workers on using the latest equipment and adjust its production processes to accommodate the changes.

Once the switch to electrical power was finally complete, Heinz began seeing positive results. By implementing the new tools and operating procedures, the company could effectively speed up its production processes, reduce the effort required for manual labor, improve the consistency and quality of its food products, and reduce overall costs. These results largely contributed to the company’s success and growth in its early years.

Moving to Renewable Energy

With the advent of new technologies, Heinz has continued to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and machines that consume less energy and generate less waste, such as using electric vehicles and other electric-powered equipment in its logistics operations. So far, this has helped improve supply chain efficiency and reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

As part of its commitment to becoming a more environmentally-responsible business, Heinz has also begun to take advantage of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to generate electricity for its production process. This has not only helped the company to reduce its emissions and dependence on fossil fuels but also its overall energy costs and has led to an improvement in the air quality in the communities in which it operates.

Since their initial switch from steam power to electricity in the early 20th century, Heinz has been a forerunner in implementing more efficient and effective processes. By embracing new technologies and renewable energy sources in recent years, the company has improved its operations and reduced costs and has effectively become a more environmentally conscious business. As a result, Heinz continues to be a leader in the food industry and a role model for other companies.

For more stories about impressive innovations in the food industry, check out Accidental Invention: Corn Flakes and Accidental Invention: Potato Chips.


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Accidental Invention: Motorcycle

What do you get when you put a motor on a bicycle? Well, a motorcycle, of course! Today, these vehicles are commonly used as a recreational form of transportation, but did you know they were invented in 1885 – one whole year before the automobile?


The invention of motorcycles was a significant milestone in the history of transportation, combining the speed and convenience of a bicycle with the power and stability of an engine. Over the past 130 years, motorcycles have continued to evolve and improve, becoming one of the most popular and beloved modes of transportation for riders worldwide.

A Bicycle with an Engine

In the late 19th century, German engineers Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach left their jobs working for Nikolaus Otto (inventor of the four-stroke internal combustion engine) to start their experimental engine-building workshop. They eventually developed the Grandfather Clock engine, the world’s first small high-speed internal combustion engine to run on gasoline. To prove that it could power a vehicle, Daimler and Maybach designed, built, and patented the Daimler Reitwagen (“Riding Car”).

Though it was not exactly what they initially set out to create, this first iteration of a gasoline-powered motorized bicycle was a wooden-framed machine with two wheels, a handlebar for steering, and a seat for the ride. It could reach speeds of up to 15 mph. Despite its primitive design, the Daimler Reitwagen was a revolutionary invention, as it opened the doors to a faster, more efficient mode of solo transportation than the existing bicycle.

(Side Note: It is worth mentioning that some consider the first motorcycle to be either the Michaux-Perreaux or the Roper steam velocipedes, both built ca. 1868. However, most authorities do not see them as “true” motorcycles because they were not powered by gasoline.)

Bigger, Better, and Faster Bikes

Nine years later, Hildebrand & Wolfmuller created the first mass-produced motorized, two-wheeled vehicle sold to the public. It was the first machine to be officially called a “motorcycle” (motorrad in German) and was built with two cylinders with connecting rods attached directly to the rear wheel. While it could reach up to an impressive 28 mph, it was expensive and did not feature a clutch or pedals, so only about 2,000 were produced in total due to stiff competition and low demand.
After the success of the Daimler Reitwagen, other inventors and engineers began to develop their designs for motorcycles. In the early 1900s, motorcycles were built with an engine and brakes that worked with a lever instead of the pedals and could operate using less fuel.

Companies such as Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle soon began popping up in the United States, quickly becoming leaders in the industry and still producing motorcycles to this day.

Keeping it Moving

Throughout the 20th century, vehicles continued to evolve and improve. The invention of the electric starter made motorcycles easier to start and ride, while advances in engine technology allowed for faster speeds and enhanced performance. In the 1970s and 1980s, Japanese motorcycle companies such as Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki became major players in the industry, producing high-quality and reliable motorcycles that were popular and more affordable worldwide.

Today, motorcycles are an integral part of modern transportation, with millions of riders using them for commuting and recreation. In addition to their practical use, motorcycles have also become a symbol of freedom and adventure, inspiring countless riders to hit the open road and explore the world on two wheels.

So, where will your ideas take you, and how can we help you get there?

For more transportation-related innovations, check out Inventions Ahead of Their Time: The Electric Car and Napkin Sketch: A Non-Stop Flight Around The World.


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Mothers of Invention: Grace Hopper

Naval officer, teacher, and one of the most celebrated computer scientists in United States history, Grace Hopper, invented groundbreaking technologies that forever changed how we interact with computers and process information.


Grace Hopper was an American computer scientist and United States Navy officer who revolutionized computer technology with her ground-breaking programming languages and software. Her remarkable accomplishments shaped her into an inspirational role model for generations of women to come.

An Exceptionally Educated Woman

Grace Brewster (Murray) Hopper was born in New York City on December 9, 1906. From an early age, Grace was academically gifted, skipping multiple grades and eventually graduating Phi Beta Kappa (the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States) from Vassar College in 1928 with a degree in mathematics and physics.

Receiving her education during a time of elevated opportunity for women, Grace was fortunate enough to be part of a generation who earned advanced degrees at a rate that would not be matched for another half-century. Because of this, she obtained both a master’s and a doctorate in mathematics from Yale University in 1930 and 1934, respectively.

A Scientifically Gifted Naval Officer

When the US entered WWII, Grace insisted on contributing to the war efforts despite being initially rejected due to her age and small stature. She was eventually accepted into the U.S. Naval Reserve (Women’s Reserve) in December 1943, where she was assigned to the Bureau of Ships Computation Project. There, she began working as a research assistant for Professor Howard Aiken at Harvard University, who had just developed the first electromechanical digital computer known as the “Mark I.”

Through this work, Grace soon began to see the potential of this technology, writing the first-ever computer manual, A Manual of Operation for the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (1946), and becoming one of the first three computer “programmers” ever.

As war efforts continued, Grace remained at Harvard, working on top-secret calculations (like computing rocket trajectories, creating range tables for new anti-aircraft guns, and calibrating minesweepers) and helping to develop the Mark II and Mark III computers. (Fun Fact: During this time, the research team found a large moth inside one of the machines causing functionality issues, leading Grace to coin the term “debugging” a computer.) 

An Intergenerational and Inspirational Inventor

Grace Hopper proved to be a true pioneer in the computer industry as she joined the Eckert-Mauchly Corporation in 1949, where she helped develop UNIVAC I (the first commercial all-electronic computer) and invented the first computer language compiler, which translated programmers’ written instructions into binary code that the machines could read directly.

As technology continued to develop, a necessity for a standardized computer language arose, inspiring the creation of COBOL (a common business-oriented language) in 1959. After co-developing the tool, Grace promoted its use in both the military and private sectors through lectures and advocacy work. By the 1970s, COBOL was the “most extensively used computer language” in the world, and she was called in to use it to help standardize the navy’s computer languages.

Through her years of military service, Grace eventually earned the rank of Rear Admiral, was awarded a Defense Distinguished Service Medal (the highest decoration given to non-combat members) and was the oldest officer (age 79) on active U.S. naval duty when she retired in 1986. She was additionally presented with Yale’s Wilbur Lucius Cross Medal in 1972, the National Medal of Technology in 1991, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 2016.

Before Grace’s inventions, computers were large, unwieldy machines that used punch cards for programming, and only a select few people could interact with them. Her work as a mathematician, scientist, and teacher advanced the field of computer science exponentially, allowing greater accessibility for many generations to come.

To hear more stories about professional women whose perseverance has made them inspirational figures in their fields, check out our podcast, The Art of Engineering.


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Seven of the Largest, Loudest, and Longest Drum-Related World Records

Did you know that the world’s largest drum is nearly 20 feet tall and weighs over 15,000 pounds?! At CPS, we love learning about impressive feats of human ingenuity and sharing what we know with you! Read on to find out more about this incredible Korean instrument and other record-setting drums around the globe.


The use of drums can be traced back to at least 5500 BC when they were used in religious ceremonies and other celebrations by ancient Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Mesopotamian, and Roman cultures. Over the last several millenniums, the instrument and its uses have significantly evolved, and today, it is played for all different purposes by millions of musicians worldwide.

Here are a few of our favorite world records from recent years set by drummers all around the globe:

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Largest Drum

(July 6, 2011) The largest drum in the world is a traditional Korean “CheonGo” drum that Yeong Dong-Gun, Seuk Je Lee, and local government members made. It measures 18’2” in diameter, is 19’6” tall, and weighs a whopping 7 tonnes – that’s over 15,000 pounds!

Guinness World Records – largest drum

Largest Drum Set

(March 21, 2013) Dr. Mark Temperato of Lakeville, New York, is the proud owner of the world’s largest drum set which comprises 813 pieces. It takes four people to assemble in fifteen hours and has increased in size for over 30 years.

Largest Drum Ensemble

(June 29, 2007) To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to China, the Hong Kong Federation of Young Groups assembled the world’s largest drum ensemble to play at the “Dragon Jamboree” concert. 10,045 drummers from Hong Kong, mainland China, Macau, and Taiwan gathered for the event at the Hong Kong Coliseum.

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Guinness World Records – loudest drum hit by a crowd

Loudest Simultaneous Drum Hit by a Crowd

(May 25, 2019) Organized by Oscar Martinez Escamilla, over 100 drummers gathered in Quintanar de la Orden, Toledo, Spain, to achieve the loudest simultaneous drum hit by a crowd. The sound measured 127.7 decibels (s) (C-weighted), which is approximately equivalent to hearing a jet engine take off 200 feet away.

Longest Drumming Marathon by an Individual

(August 19, 2015) To increase awareness and raise funds for Cardiac Kids in support of the SickKids Foundation, Steve Gaul performed the longest marathon drumming by an individual in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, for 134 hours and 5 minutes.

Longest Group Drum Roll

(May 3, 2014) In honor of the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines, the Corps of Drums of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Service (UK) performed the world’s longest group drum roll by taking turns playing the same single snare drum for a total of 64 hr 27 min 59 sec.

Longest Line of Drums

(February 19, 2019) Composed of 2,020 drums, the Haidong Municipal People’s Government celebrated the Chinese Lantern Festival by assembling the world’s longest line of drums, which measured 1,593 ft 7 in.

While we’re not quite all CPS musicians, we know a lot about drums – storage drums, that is! In fact, drum conditioning is one of our specialties. Check out our drum massagers, and see why they are the best choice for removing hardened processing materials from inside your drums.


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Engineering Marvels: Palm Island, Dubai

What do you think it takes to build an island? How about one that is very specifically shaped like a tree? The engineers behind Palm Island in Dubai had to take a lot of things into consideration while constructing the incredible vacation spot.


Off the coast of Dubai, you will find a very uniquely-shaped island: Palm Jumeirah. This man-made tropical getaway spot is shaped like a palm tree with 17 fronds and hosts numerous hotels and vacation homes. Due to its location and design, the project also took quite a few specialized resources to complete, making it an awe-inspiring feat of architectural engineering.

A Palm Tree-Shaped Paradise

To diversify the local economy from its main source of income, oil, the prime minister of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed, has spent the last several decades building up the city’s tourism industry.

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Credit:Britannica

In June of 2001, one of the most significant developments in the area began construction: Palm Island (Jumeirah). The master plan for the project was drawn up by Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock, an American architectural firm, and managed by Nakheel, a real estate company now owned by the government of Dubai.

Over the course of the next six years, the island’s infrastructure was built, soon followed by the construction of several hotels and vacation homes. Today, nearly 80,000 people reside on the island, surrounded by beaches and warm gulf water.

Unique Tools and Resources

Due to its unique shape, Palm Island took extensive, careful planning, specialized tools, and specific materials to build. Because of this, the project cost approximately $12 billion to complete.

The island was constructed from reclaimed materials, including 120 million cubic meters of sand from the Persian Gulf and 7 million tons of rocks from the Hajar mountains. Amazingly, no steel or concrete was used while building the main infrastructure. To prevent the sand from eroding from the surrounding water, a technique called rainbowing is used to spray sand and other material onto the island.

To ensure the island was shaped exactly to the plan, the construction team utilized satellites and GPS to precisely measure and place the building materials.

Other Considerations

Because the island was made out of natural materials, it is extra prone to erosion from the surrounding water. To combat this, the builders incorporated breakwaters around the perimeter of the island that helps to protect it from large waves and strong winds. These structures are also not continuous and feature spaces to allow the water to still flow and not be stagnant.

When altering a geological area, there is also a high probability that the local ecosystem will be disturbed. To help prevent liquefaction of the sand and disruption of the surrounding area, a technique called vibro-compaction was used to help improve the sturdiness of the island’s base. Additionally, approximately every six weeks, divers visit the coastal aquatic ecosystem to monitor the condition of the local wildlife and environment.

In the original plan, two more similar yet much larger islands, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira, were designed to add even more areas for tourists to visit. However, construction has remained indefinitely on hold due to economic concerns.

What other types of unique destinations will we see engineers create next?

We at Custom Powder Systems appreciate marvels worldwide and love to travel. Here are some of our stories from visiting Dalian, China, and Ras Laffan, Qatar.


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