Top 10 Inventions by Women

Men have invented many things, but there are plenty of significant inventions by women as well. In fact, there are likely even more inventions that women contributed to but were never recorded, or for which they never received proper credit.
The Top Ten
Computer Programming Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician, is credited with writing the first algorithm intended to be executed by a machine in the 1840s. She worked on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. Her notes on the machine contain what is considered the first computer program.

Interesting. I never knew that this existed back in the 1800s!

Ada Lovelace is considered the first computer programmer.

Dishwasher The first practical dishwasher was invented by Josephine Cochrane in 1886. She designed it to relieve the tedious task of hand-washing dishes and patented the machine after finding success in commercial kitchens. Cochrane's invention used water pressure rather than scrubbers to clean the dishes.

Invented in 1887 by Josephine Cochrane. You can thank her for not having to scrub your dozens of plates and glasses by hand each day.

Life Raft Maria Beasley, an inventor from the United States, patented her life raft design in 1882. Her raft was safer and more durable than previous models, featuring guard rails and a collapsible design for easy storage. It became a standard safety feature on ships, including the Titanic.

Countless people can thank Maria Beasely for inventing the product that saved their lives. Maria is one of the few women who made a fortune off of her inventions.

Windshield Wipers Mary Anderson invented the first manual windshield wiper in 1903. Her design allowed drivers to clean rain and snow off their windshields without leaving the vehicle. Anderson received a patent for her invention, which laid the groundwork for the automatic wipers used today.

Invented by Mary Anderson in 1903.

Fire Escape Anna Connelly is credited with inventing the exterior metal fire escape in 1887. Her design allowed people to safely exit a building during a fire, greatly reducing the risk of injury. Connelly's fire escape was adopted by many cities as a mandatory safety feature in high-rise buildings.

Invented by Anna Connelly.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ruth Wakefield invented the chocolate chip cookie in 1938 while running the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. She created the recipe by accident when she added chocolate pieces to a batch of cookies, expecting them to melt. Instead, the chocolate held its shape, giving rise to the popular dessert.

It might not have advanced science or saved lives, but who isn't thankful for the chocolate chip cookie? It was invented in 1938 by Ruth Graves Wakefield.

Can somebody please give me a cookie?

Medical Syringe Letitia Mumford Geer patented a one-handed medical syringe in 1899. Her innovation allowed doctors to inject patients using just one hand, making the process more efficient. Geer's design greatly improved the safety and ease of administering medication.

Many lives are saved every day! This should be way higher, if not #1.

Circular Saw Tabitha Babbitt, a Shaker woman, is credited with inventing the circular saw in 1813. She came up with the idea to improve the efficiency of cutting wood, using a rotating blade powered by a water wheel. Babbitt's saw greatly increased productivity in sawmills.
Disposable Diaper Marion Donovan invented the first waterproof disposable diaper in 1946. She used shower curtain material to create a diaper cover, which she named "Boater." Her design led to the mass production of disposable diapers and revolutionized infant care.
Monopoly Elizabeth Magie invented the original version of Monopoly, known as "The Landlord's Game," in 1904. Her game was designed to teach economic principles, particularly the dangers of monopolies. Hasbro later acquired the rights and adapted it into the version known worldwide today.

Monopoly was actually invented by Elizabeth Magie. However, a man named Charles Darrow got the credit.

The Newcomers

? Invisible Glass Katharine Burr Blodgett invented invisible glass in 1938 while working for General Electric. This non-reflective glass was used in camera lenses, microscopes, and eyeglasses. Her innovation greatly improved the clarity of images seen through glass surfaces.

I had to add this one. I completely forgot about it. It was invented by Katharine Burr Blodgett.

? White Out Bette Nesmith Graham invented liquid paper, also known as White Out, in 1956. She created the formula to correct typing errors while working as a secretary. Her invention became an essential office supply before the advent of word processors.

The woman who invented this also had a fairly famous musician son, Michael Nesmith of The Monkees.

The Contenders
Foot Pedal Trash Can Lillian Gilbreth, a pioneer in industrial engineering, invented the foot pedal trash can in the early 20th century. Her design allowed users to open the trash can without using their hands, improving sanitation and convenience. Gilbreth's contributions extended into kitchen and home ergonomics.
Submarine Telescope Sarah Mather patented the submarine telescope and lamp in 1845. Her invention allowed sailors to examine the underwater environment more clearly from aboard their ships. Mather's device was an important tool for maritime exploration and defense.
Kevlar Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar, a high-strength synthetic fiber, in 1965 while working for DuPont. The material is five times stronger than steel and is used in a wide range of applications, including bulletproof vests. Kwolek's discovery has saved countless lives in law enforcement and military operations.
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