Invention

James Naismith, a physical education instructor from Almonte, Ontario, created the sport in December 1891 at Springfield College in Massachusetts. He devised it as a less injury-prone alternative to football.

John Vincent Atanasoff, born to a Bulgarian immigrant father, developed the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) in the late 1930s, laying fundamental principles for modern computing and influencing subsequent computer designs.

Joseph Merlin, a Belgian inventor, introduced his "skates" in London in 1760, famously crashing into a mirror at a masquerade ball. His initial design used metal wheels and was difficult to steer, but laid the groundwork for future innovations.

Adolphe Sax, born in Dinant, patented the instrument in 1846, intending it to be a bridge between woodwind and brass families. His workshop was initially in Brussels before he moved to Paris, where the instrument gained widespread recognition.

Fredric Baur, the organic chemist who designed the iconic Pringles can, requested to be buried in one. His children honored his wish, placing his ashes in a Pringles can within his urn.

The original Slinky toy, invented by Richard James in 1943, contains 80 feet of steel wire. Its unique design allows it to "walk" down stairs and perform various mesmerizing tricks.