Ever felt like the past has a cheeky way of popping back up? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to take a trip down memory lane! Turns out, a lot of modern-day gadgets and gizmos aren’t as ‘new’ as we think. Intrigued? Let’s dive in and get our minds blown!
We at Bright Side were shocked to find out that many new inventions resemble old ones and decided to share them with you.
1. Pinkert Navigating Tricycle — Water Tricycle
Ah, the Pinkert navigating tricycle, our ancestor to the water tricycle. This contraption came to life in the 1890s, aiming to ferry adventurers across the English Channel. Fast forward, and now we have sleek, colorful water tricycles gliding across lakes and rivers with grace. Talk about a glow-up!
2. Glasses for Reading in Bed
Ever tried to read in bed only to pass out with a book on your face? Thanks to Hamblin glasses from 1936, you could save yourself that embarrassment. Known as ‘lazy glasses,’ these nifty specs let you read while lying down. Thankfully, they’ve had a comeback and are a must-have for any bookworm.
3. Portable Sauna
Sauna fanatics, rejoice! Portables saunas are hotter than ever (pun intended). But did you know they date back to 1955? Proof lies in the picture of a man sweating and reading simultaneously. If that isn’t multitasking at its finest, I don’t know what is.
4. Television Eyeglasses — VR
Before VR headsets became the life of the party, Hugo Gernsback had his own version in 1936 with television eyeglasses. Given a hard pass for being impractical, these little marvels were way ahead of their time. It’s fascinating to see how today’s virtual reality headsets echo his inventive spirit.
5. Pedal Boat — Hydrocycle
The brainchild believed to date back to Leonardo da Vinci, the pedal boat, was spotted at a Stockholm exhibition in 1930. Now, hydro bicycles are all the rage, especially for those wanting to explore waters in a unique, eco-friendly way.
6. Motor Scooter — Electric Scooter
The Autoped, your great-grandmother’s version of a motor scooter, made its debut from 1915-1922. Despite its efficiency, it didn’t catch on back then. Fast forward to today, and electric scooters are zipping around like there’s no tomorrow. Clearly, what goes around comes around.
7. Dishwasher
The drumroll, please! The first mechanical dishwasher came about in 1850, built from wood and powered by a hand crank. Although it took a while to catch on, today’s households can’t imagine life without this time-saver. Raise your hand if your dishwasher is your best friend!
8. Hydrocycle – Pedal Boat
Looking for a fun twist on cycling? Say hello to the hydrocycle from the 1870s. This crank-and-pedal watercraft resembles modern pedal boats, a popular pastime for today’s water enthusiasts. Fancy a paddle?
9. Menstrual Cups
If you think menstrual cups are a modern invention, think again. The first prototypes appeared in the 1860s and 1870s, and although they didn’t take the market by storm, modern versions designed in 1937 by actress Leona Chalmers are strikingly similar to today’s designs. Period products have come a long way.
10. Treadmill
The treadmill, a staple in gyms around the world, got its official start in 1913. Initially designed for diagnosing lung and heart conditions, it has since evolved into an essential fitness machine. Who else has a love-hate relationship with theirs?
There you have it, folks! Ten inventions from the past that have circled back into our lives, proving that great ideas never really go out of style. Which surprise revelation impressed you the most? Let’s talk about it!
