5 Inventions That Were Discovered by Accident

From the Microwave to Vaseline, these inventions have helped society, but started out as unintended discoveries.

By Allison Futterman
Jul 18, 2022 1:00 PM
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(Credit:Ekaterina43/Shutterstock)

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The ingenuity of human inventions spans history. From the use of stone tools nearly three million years ago to modern inventions like electric cars and 3D printers — humans have always set out to find a better way to do things.

Most inventions or discoveries have been the result of an intentional pursuit. However, some of the inventions we rely on today are the work of pure accident. Here are five accidental inventions. 

1. Microwave Oven

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