When people first began riding horses, they quickly discovered that having a spine between your legs isn’t very comfortable. Blankets seemed to help a little, but these still posed a problem when it came to centering the rider’s weight. Then, around 200 BC, some horse enthusiasts in Asia developed the first saddle tree. The Samaritans … Read more
Whether you wear your sunglasses at night or reserve their use for the noonday sun, there’s no denying the usefulness of a nice pair of shades. These days, you can purchase them in all shapes and sizes, including ones that simply clip onto your regular glasses. But what you may not be aware of is … Read more
One of the greatest discoveries by mankind is actually a very simple one. It only requires a material and air to defy gravity and was one of the first methods of human flight. Just like the box, the balloon is now revered as both a functional tool and a cherished toy. Most balloons use either … Read more
Tape is an invaluable part of arts, crafts, and all sorts of repairs. However, this sticky helper has only been around for about 200 years. In that short amount of time a wide array of different types of tape have been invented. Here are 32 types that you may or may not have heard of. … Read more
Candles are one of the oldest forms of illumination. Contrary to popular belief, castles and similar medieval structures were lit primarily using candles, not by torches as Hollywood so often depicts. In fact, candles have been such a central source of light throughout human history that there are a wide range of functions, materials, and … Read more
One of the most common garments out there also happens to be one of the most mysterious. Commonly considered a product designed primarily for breast support, they’re rarely pictured as being used by women with small cup sizes. But did you know bras are actually used by women with flat chests to back breakers and … Read more
Microscopes are a part of everyday life for many of us. You can find these tools in schools, hospitals, or even at home for simple entertainment. The microscopic world has proven to contain some of the most beautiful things Nature has for us, after all. But did you know there are nearly a dozen different … Read more
Growing up, there are generally four tools every child can identify: a hammer, screwdriver, wrench, and saw. But one thing most kids (and even adults) don’t know is that there are literally dozens of different saw types out there, many of which have a highly specialized use. Here are 20 examples of different types of … Read more
The US tend to take forks for granted. In the Orient, chopsticks are traditional, with forks only recently becoming widespread. In Europe, the fork didn’t begin to catch on until the 1500s. During the Medieval period, a predecessor to the modern day roast and carving forks was in use, but only in major feasts for … Read more
There are literally dozens of different wrench types out there. Some you might use every day, but others are only used in specific trades. The following are a sample of what’s available, chosen to show just how widely used wrenches actually are. See Also: 20 Types of Saws 24 Types of Wrenches 1. Combination Wrench … Read more