Ladies Probus group hear of science discoveries that changed the world
A thoughtful speaker welcomed the New Year, as ladies of Cannock and District Ladies Probus Club, enjoyed their first Meeting of 2025.
Inclement weather didn’t deter members attending Chase Golf & Country Club, to enjoy a tasty two course meal with a choice of meat, fish or vegetarian options and either healthy fresh fruit; ice cream or for those whose diet starts ‘tomorrow,’ honeycomb cheesecake with salted caramel ice cream, bringing murmurings of delight.
Chairman Anne Bumford introduced Peter Dunn, who enlightened us to everyday items, which literally changed the world ‘as we know it.’ That may seem a phenomenal statement but raising awareness of various products and how they were discovered, meant we appreciated their effect on our lives, in many areas.
Producing choc chip cookies (1930) does not seem groundbreaking but demonstrates how, discoveries were made by accident. Many items such as safety glass (1903) taken for granted in today’s windscreens but one of earliest uses was in gasmasks, for troops in WWI. Vaseline (1870) an accidental find, when ‘gunk on pipes’ was used by troops as a staple; to sooth burns, wounds and trench foot.
Simple items, such as matches (1826), are taken for granted. Superseded by lighters, they play a part in history. Even 25 years after the war, men lighting cigarettes would only light one, then another, before putting the match out and starting again. This habit was engrained because during the war a sniper could use a bullet to ‘home in’ and take out the third light.
Coco-Cola (1826) yet another derivative from ‘war’ when its American inventor, following his experience in American Civil War, wanted to create an opiate free drink, to alleviate his addiction to morphine. Unfortunately, caffeine and stimulants still included, offended the Temperance Movement insisting it be alcohol free so, changes resulted in a sugar syrup concoction of carbonated water. Dynamite (1847) invented by a lab chemist, very wary of progressing development when conscious it was more powerful than gunpowder, yet more volatile. However not deterred, his colleague, saw the potential in mining, demolition and armament for war. Play-Doh’s inventor nearly went bankrupt, when changes in society changed his customer base.
Pre 1942 homes heated with coal, left sooty deposits on walls and this was used as a cleaning product, until post war electric and gas meant soot was less of an issue. Bankruptcy was only avoided because the inventor’s sister took it into a primary school, to use as modelling clay, initially called Rainbow Craft, before developing the product we know today.
Accidents continue; Cornflakes as a healthy veg option, developed when boiled wheat left to go soggy was put in an oven to crisp up. The initial microwave (1967) was 5 ft tall, weighing 750lbs yet; few homes are now without one. Similarly, the most common used antibiotic in the world Penicillin, developed by accident after its inventor left a messy worktop, which became mouldy.
Another invention, much taken for granted; smoke detectors save millions of lives because, in fires smoke kills. Potato chips unbelievably resulted when a disgruntled customer complained about the thickness of his fries. The annoyed chef sliced potatoes using a mandolin to irritate him but unexpectedly another ‘product’ became an everyday one. Concluding, Viagra developed medically for Angina; like every other product highlighted, has other uses and made billions of dollars - by accident!
Anne concluded with Chairman’s Cheer and Thought for the Day; “Every day may not be good but there is something good in every day.”
Retired or Semi-Retired, professional or business ladies meet on the first Thursday each month at Chase Golf Club, 12 noon, to share meal, fellowship and speakers with outings and other activities. New members are welcome: Annual membership £16 and two course lunch £22. Further information contact: Membership Secretary, Barbara on 01889 882166 or Chairman Anne 01922 418037.
