Special Sub-Topic: Who Invented That? Click Here To Play: Who Invented That?

This native New Yorker invented the elevator in 1850. Who was he?

Henry Waterman. Henry Waterman invented the elevator in hopes it would help transporting barrels of flour.

Who published the first computer programs?

Ada Byron. In 1843, a mathematician, Ada Byron, published the first computer programs. She based them on Jacquard's punch-card idea. Her programs were for the first general-purpose mechanical digital computer, that was just invented by Charles Babbage.

What Mexican general contributed to the invention of chewing gum?

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna led the attack on the Alamo.

The same guy who painted that enigmatic smile on Lisa created the parachute. What was his name?

Leonardo da Vinci. This artist had a keen eye for good painting and a keen eye on good eating. He was a strict vegetarian, and loved animals.

Candy Land is a place you love to dream about and a game you love to play. This game is now known as a child's first game, by the way, who invented it?

Eleanor Abbot. Eleanor Abbot was recovering from polio when she created this game.

It was 1908, a new century still in the air, new inventions left and right, one was cellophane. Who invented cellophane?

Jacques Edwin Brandenberger. Brandenberger was seated at a restaurant when a customer spilt wine onto the tablecloth. As the waiter replaced the cloth, Brandenberger decided that he would invent a clear flexible film that could be applied to cloth, making it waterproof.

Pepsi, Sprite, Root-Beer, many good drinks come in a can, though one invention helps us drink it. Was the pop top can invented by Ermal Fraze in Kettering, Ohio?

y. Fraze invented this after having to resort to a car bumper to open a can while picnicking.

The power lawn mover was invented by a man whose name evokes thoughts of robbery, blackmail, and lies. What was his name?

Ransom E. Olds. The power lawn mower was invented by Ransom E. Olds (of Oldsmobile fame) in 1915.

Ooo, the lights just went out, flashlight's missing, so you make a grab for candles and matches. Without this man, matches wouldn't exist to save you from the dark. What was his name?

John Walker. The chemicals Walker used were antimony sulfide, potassium chlorate, gum, and starch, he called the first matches "Congreves".

Who invented water beds?

Neil Arnott. In 1832 the Scottish surgeon Neil Arnott devised water beds as a way of improving patients' comfort.