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Riff RaffTop 10 Canadian Inventions of All Time
January 5th 2007 05:51
Oh Canada! Necessity is the mother of invention and, apparently, Canadians are a needy yet resourceful bunch.
A recent nation-wide vote for the country's best inventions has uncovered some surprisingly innovative Canucks:
#1 Insulin
Insulin, a life-saving treatment for Diabetes, was the brainchild of Frederick Banting.
Apparently, the idea of using Insulin to control the deadly disease came to Banting in a dream. Banting, along with colleagues, isolated the compound in 1921. At the time, diabetes was as deadly and disasterous as cancer. Banting was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1923.
#2 Telephone
While the inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, was born in Scotland, he immigrated to Canada as a young man and later set about to create a means to communicate across the long distances of his new home.
He had been working in Boston but Bell's severe headaches brought him back to his family home in Ontario for some much needed relaxation. Alexander made his way to his 'dreaming place', a nearby bluff, and brainstormed the idea for a 'harmonic telegraph'.
#3 Light Bulb
Thought it was Edison's bright idea? Nope. Two Canadians, Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans, patented the light bulb in 1875. Unfortunately, the duo didn't have the funds to produce and sell the light bulbs, so they sold their idea to good ole Thomas Edison.
Not such a brilliant idea, fellas.
#4 Five Pin Bowling
Five-pin bowling is a bowling variant which is only played in Canada and was created by Thomas Ryan of Toronto in 1909.
It was devised to offer bowlers the chance to play a game during a half-hour lunch break. This goal was achieved using smaller balls that can be cradled in the hand, travel faster than ten-pin balls and can be thrown in rapid succession.
#5 Wonderbra
Louise Poirier of Canadelle Co. invented the push-up, bust enhancing Wonderbra in 1964.
When the Wonderbra hit American shelves in 1994, it instantly became an American icon.
The song 'Amerika' by Rammstein features the celebrated undergarment:
We're all living in Amerika
Amerika ist wunderbar
We're all living in Amerika
Coca Cola, Wonderbra!
#6 the Pacemaker
While researching hypothermia John Hopps discovered that you could restart a cooled heart with mechanical or electrical stimulation. He devised the first cardiac pacemaker in 1950 although it was much too large to be used internally.
# 7 Robertson Screw
This special square headed screw and driver have a tighter fit than a slot and rarely slip.
Craftsmen soon found the Robertson screw to be superior to other screws since it could be driven with one hand, was self-centering and had a tight fit.
But, while it is the most popular screw in its native Canada, it is almost unheard of outside of the Great White North because inventor Peter Robertson refused to license his product. Robertson had earlier been cheated by a British company he had given a license to and had subsequently decided to never be put in that position again. Unfortunately, the Ford Motor Company did not want to use the Robertson screws without a licensing agreement even though the screws saved Ford two hours in assembly time for every vehicle.
#8 the Zipper
Oh, where would we be without the zipper? Invented by Gideon Sundback in 1913, the zipper replaced cumbersome and unreliable fasteners such as hooks, bone pins and needles.
And, Zippers are so much better at keeping out the rain, cold and snow than buttons.
#9 Electric Wheelchair
After World War Two, the influx of veterans that came home as para- or quadriplegics inspired George Klein to invent a motorized wheelchair.
#10 Poutine
Ah, the Quebecers love their poutine. How can you not love a glorious mixture of french fries, melted cheese and cheese curds all smothered in hot gravy!
Poutine is now taking America, Europe and Asia by storm = World domination by Poutine!
Other Great Canadian Innovations include:
Basketball
CANADARM (outer-space giant reaching arm)
Java Programming Language
Baby Pablum
Alkaline Battery
UV Degradable Plastics
Hockey Goalie Mask
Standard Time
Walkie Talkies
Electron Microscope
CPR Mannequin
Snowblower
Road Lines
IMAX
Electric Stove
Trivial Pursuit
Television Camera
Snowmobile
Electric Prosthetic Hand
Kerosene
Electric Streetcar
Lacrosse
Superman
See, we're not just a bunch of beer-drinking, back bacon-eating snow-lovers.
OK, we're not ONLY a bunch of beer-drinking, back bacon-eating snow-lovers.
Canadian inventors have improved lives the world over.
What will be next big discovery to come out of the True, North, Strong, and Free?
Links:
Canadian Broadcasting Corp - 50 Greatest Inventions
Discovery of Insulin
Wonderbra
robertsonscrew.com
Canada Things
Made in Canada
A recent nation-wide vote for the country's best inventions has uncovered some surprisingly innovative Canucks:
Insulin, a life-saving treatment for Diabetes, was the brainchild of Frederick Banting.
Apparently, the idea of using Insulin to control the deadly disease came to Banting in a dream. Banting, along with colleagues, isolated the compound in 1921. At the time, diabetes was as deadly and disasterous as cancer. Banting was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1923.
#2 Telephone
While the inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, was born in Scotland, he immigrated to Canada as a young man and later set about to create a means to communicate across the long distances of his new home.
He had been working in Boston but Bell's severe headaches brought him back to his family home in Ontario for some much needed relaxation. Alexander made his way to his 'dreaming place', a nearby bluff, and brainstormed the idea for a 'harmonic telegraph'.
#3 Light Bulb
Patent for Woodward & Evans' Electric Light, July 24, 1874
Thought it was Edison's bright idea? Nope. Two Canadians, Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans, patented the light bulb in 1875. Unfortunately, the duo didn't have the funds to produce and sell the light bulbs, so they sold their idea to good ole Thomas Edison.
Not such a brilliant idea, fellas.
#4 Five Pin Bowling
Five-pin bowling is a bowling variant which is only played in Canada and was created by Thomas Ryan of Toronto in 1909.
It was devised to offer bowlers the chance to play a game during a half-hour lunch break. This goal was achieved using smaller balls that can be cradled in the hand, travel faster than ten-pin balls and can be thrown in rapid succession.
#5 Wonderbra
Louise Poirier of Canadelle Co. invented the push-up, bust enhancing Wonderbra in 1964.
Wonderbra WonderModel, Maja Latinovic
When the Wonderbra hit American shelves in 1994, it instantly became an American icon.
The song 'Amerika' by Rammstein features the celebrated undergarment:
We're all living in Amerika
Amerika ist wunderbar
We're all living in Amerika
Coca Cola, Wonderbra!
#6 the Pacemaker
While researching hypothermia John Hopps discovered that you could restart a cooled heart with mechanical or electrical stimulation. He devised the first cardiac pacemaker in 1950 although it was much too large to be used internally.
# 7 Robertson Screw
This special square headed screw and driver have a tighter fit than a slot and rarely slip.
But, while it is the most popular screw in its native Canada, it is almost unheard of outside of the Great White North because inventor Peter Robertson refused to license his product. Robertson had earlier been cheated by a British company he had given a license to and had subsequently decided to never be put in that position again. Unfortunately, the Ford Motor Company did not want to use the Robertson screws without a licensing agreement even though the screws saved Ford two hours in assembly time for every vehicle.
#8 the Zipper
No, not this kind of zipper
Oh, where would we be without the zipper? Invented by Gideon Sundback in 1913, the zipper replaced cumbersome and unreliable fasteners such as hooks, bone pins and needles.
This kind of zipper
#9 Electric Wheelchair
After World War Two, the influx of veterans that came home as para- or quadriplegics inspired George Klein to invent a motorized wheelchair.
George Klein's widow and National Research Council's D. Bourgeois-Doyle proudly unveil the original motorized wheelchair
#10 Poutine
Ah, the Quebecers love their poutine. How can you not love a glorious mixture of french fries, melted cheese and cheese curds all smothered in hot gravy!
Kentucky Fried Poutine
Other Great Canadian Innovations include:
Basketball
CANADARM (outer-space giant reaching arm)
Java Programming Language
Baby Pablum
Alkaline Battery
UV Degradable Plastics
Hockey Goalie Mask
Standard Time
Walkie Talkies
Electron Microscope
CPR Mannequin
Snowblower
Road Lines
IMAX
Electric Stove
Trivial Pursuit
Television Camera
Snowmobile
Electric Prosthetic Hand
Kerosene
Electric Streetcar
Lacrosse
Superman
See, we're not just a bunch of beer-drinking, back bacon-eating snow-lovers.
OK, we're not ONLY a bunch of beer-drinking, back bacon-eating snow-lovers.
Canadian inventors have improved lives the world over.
What will be next big discovery to come out of the True, North, Strong, and Free?
Links:
Canadian Broadcasting Corp - 50 Greatest Inventions
Discovery of Insulin
Wonderbra
robertsonscrew.com
Canada Things
Made in Canada
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Comment by ThomasM
Fuel Saving Advice
Heidi's Blog
Blogtommy
Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
LOL. Darn Keyboards. The letters aren't even in alphabetical order! Then throw the thought of a Wonderbra in the mix! Utter chaos.
Cheers,
Peg
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Fascinating post ... really enjoyed it, wow! how about that light bulb thing ... and Insulin?
There's also a lot of pioneering conservationism being instigated by Canada in may areas of Alberta and along the far north coast there... great stuff from my angle ...
Apart from the fact that for me, zippers are in demin and perhaps one of the greatest inventions on the planet, what is about them that is so sexy? Is that only me who thinks that? I nearly married a Canadian once, is that why, do you think?
..you know it's interesting but I keep finding out the same thing about Australian's too... did you know we invented the plastic silver bladder-thingy inside the Chateau de-cardboard wine casks?
*lol*
caio
Lilla
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
I learn something new and interesting every time I come to this site - keep up the great work Peggy!
love, Epiphanie
Comment by Bhumika
Political Minds
anyway america is the real invention hub..no one can deny that.
Comment by Hope
Gifted Parenting
Freelance For Life
Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
Your beloved kitten is back!
Zippers can be sexy, for sure.
You know, it took ages for the fashion world to start using them in clothing. And, now they're everywhere!
Love your support,
Peg
Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
I'm so glad you are kind enough to visit my site.
I'm blessed to know you.
Not sure you're missing anything with the Poutine; it is so bad for you. So bad its good?
love you to pieces,
Peg
Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
James Gosling, Ph.D (born May 19, 1955 near Calgary, Alberta, Canada) is a famous software developer, best known as the father of the Java programming language.
and its also documented in many other sources as well.
No one denied America was not a invention hub, did they? My post was on Canadian inventions.
hum, not really too polite in how you say your comments, hey? Any further rude comments made by you on my site will be deleted.
Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
Nice to see you! Ah, the wonders of the Wonderbra!
I might just wear one on my night out dancing tomorrow and drive those boys wild!
Thanks for your kind support,
Pegasus
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Aww, you're too sweet! Muah~ ;o)
It looks very high-calorie, but I'll have to give it a try next time I go to a place that serves it just so I can say I've tried it!
What's the party scene like in Calgary? I'm sure you don't need a Wonderbra to drive the public mad, but good for you if you decide to wear one! ^^
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
I wonder how much Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans, sold their light bulb patent for?
Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
The night life is pretty tame by some standards but hey that's good ole safe safe safe (boring?) Canada for you. but, I wouldn't trade my nation for anything. not even for some magic beans. ha ha.
Hi MelissaA,
According to Wikipedia, "The two men patented [the light bulb] but did not have enough money to develop their invention, so they sold their US patent to Thomas Edison for $5,000US ($US 100,000 in 2006 dollars). They also granted Edison an exclusive licence to their equivalent Canadian patent."
hey, they got the equivalent of $100,000 US...not too bad. Its not like Edison gave them a couple bucks for the rights or anything.
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
$1,000/$20,000 would have been OK for example, but you would have been more ripped off than at $100,000.
Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
Thanks Melissa. Always nice to have you over!
Peg