15 Incredible Inventions That Were, Technically, Gigantic Failures
![15 Incredible Inventions That Were, Technically, Gigantic Failures](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/6/7/0/890670_320x180.jpg)
Ah, the wonders of invention! For centuries, humans have been coming up with new and inventive ways to make life easier, more enjoyable, and more efficient. But did you know that many of the products we use today have a much more interesting backstory than you might think? From the humble beginnings of Coca-Cola as a morphine addiction cure to the surprising origin of the Slinky toy as a way to stop navy equipment from moving around too much, the stories behind these inventions are often much more fascinating than the inventions themselves.
In this list, we'll explore 15 of the most interesting and unexpected origins of everyday items. From Play-Doh as a wallpaper cleaner to Listerine as a floor cleaner and even Viagra as a high blood pressure medication, these stories will make you think twice about the products you use every day. So, without further ado, let's dive into the unexpected origins of some of our most beloved products!
Hot tubs: the ultimate cure-all?
![CRACKED Hot tubs Candido Jacuzzi invented the hot tub in 1949 after his son was diagnosed with arthritis and the doctors recommended hydrotherapy. It quickly became popular and was used in recreational centers, health clubs, and people's homes.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/7/3/890373.jpg)
Inhumane and ineffective... and now, in gyms worldwide.
![CRACKED Treadmills In the 1800s, the treadmill was invented in England as a form of punishment for prisoners. It was so harsh that it was banned by 1900 because it was too dangerous and not effective.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/7/2/890372.jpg)
Romantic seating for two... but not too romantic.
![CRACKED Loveseats In the 1700s, the French invented a large chair for wealthy women to sit in while wearing their fancy dresses. It was called a loveseat because it was the perfect size for two people to sit together without being too close.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/7/1/890371.jpg)
Elderly dental care: Peanut Butter Edition.
![CRACKED Peanut butter A doctor from St. Louis supposedly came up with a type of peanut butter in the early 1900s as a protein alternative for elderly people who had trouble chewing meat because of bad teeth.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/7/0/890370.jpg)
Subtle Doctor, Dumb Cap.
![CRACKED Dunce cap John Duns Scotus, a Franciscan theologian, was known for his complex ideas and was given the nickname The Subtle Doctor. Не popularized the dunce cap, which was a symbol of highly educated people... until his ideas fell out of favor.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/6/9/890369.jpg)
Hangover cure to global success.
![CRACKED Red Bull A former Thai duck farmer came up with what would become Red Bull in 1976 as a way to help people with hangovers. Не teamed up with an Austrian businessman and the drink was released around the world as an energy drink. FAUDONT UE EUROPE 250 ml PRODUCT OF 4 EUROPE PACK Red Bu Red B ENERGY DRIN ENERGY DRIN Red Bull 4Pack 250 ml ENERGY DRINK](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/6/6/890366.jpg)
From oysters to Chinese food: evolution.
![CRACKED Chinese takeout box In the early 20the century, the old wooden box used to carry raw oysters was replaced by a new paper box that was nearly leakproof and disposable, which happened to make it perfect for takeout Chinese food. Enjoy Thank You Thank Enjoy Enjoy You Th](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/5/9/890359.jpg)
Bandages to pads.
![CRACKED Sanitary pads Before WWI, cellucotton was invented to be used as medical bandages, but nurses realized it could be used for feminine hygiene, so it was modified and released to the public in 1920 as the first sanitary pad.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/6/8/890368.jpg)
Oil to Music: A Journey.
![CRACKED Auto-Tune Auto-Tune, the famous music program, was first designed to help oil companies analyze seismic data. But it was later changed to be used in the music industry to change individual notes to make the sound better.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/6/4/890364.jpg)
Faster childbirth?
![CRACKED Chainsaws In the late 1700s, two Scottish doctors created the first ever chainsaw to help with difficult childbirths. It was based on a watch chain with teeth that could be moved around with a hand-crank-it's best not to try to imagine how it worked.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/6/3/890363.jpg)
Science: not always helpful in the way you expect.
![CRACKED Viagra In the '90s, Pfizer scientists were working on a drug to help with high blood pressure and chest pain, but they found out it didn't work great for that -- but, on the other hand, it could make you get hard. Thus was Viagra born. 101](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/6/5/890365.jpg)
Imagine the commercials.
![CRACKED Play-Doh Play-Doh was originally invented in the 1920s as a wallpaper cleaner, but it wasn't until the 1950s that it was changed to a toy. Since then, it's become a huge hit, selling over 3 billion cans. Presumably some were used to clean wallpaper. PIDER 616 HEMP F1322B Play-D Y-Doh Play-Doh](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/6/0/890360.jpg)
The Slinky: a naval gizmo.
![CRACKED The Slinky In 1945, a mechanical engineer invented the Slinky while trying to find a way to stop equipment on Navy ships from moving around too much. His wife Betty named it Slinky, and the rest is pretty much toy history.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/6/7/890367.jpg)
Multi-purpose miracle cure?
![CRACKED Listerine Before it was used as a mouthwash to treat bad breath, Listerine was actually sold as a floor cleaner and a medicine for gonorrhea. FreshBurst LISTERINE Cool Mint LISTERINE ANTISEPTIC ANTISEPTIC Kills germs that cause Bad Breath, Plaque & Kills germs that cause Bad Breath, Plaque & the gum disease the gum disease Gingivitis Gingivitis ADIA ADA ACCEPTED 500 mL (1.05 pt) 500mL(115kcal American Association Dental Gerrial Association Association THIS PACKAGE FOR HOUSEHOLDS THIS PACKAGE FOR HOUSEHOLDS or - - - I Do of - f printed LISTERINE band WITHOUT YOUNG CHILDREN WITHOUT YOUNG CHILDREN 07-0361-14 and - -](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/6/1/890361.jpg)
Coke: The Cure-All.
![CRACKED Coca-Cola When it was invented, Coca-Cola was advertised as a brain-boosting drink with special ingredients from the Coca plant and Kola nuts. Its inventor was trying to find a way to break his morphine addiction, and that was what Coke was originally for. THE Ideal Brain Tonic Delightful Summer and Winter Beverage. Specific for Relieves HEADACHE, MENTAL & PHISICAL EXHAUSTION.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/3/6/2/890362.jpg)