Did you know that many famous and useful inventions, essential to 21st-century life, were created in Texas? Read on for more about these innovations and their creators on i-houston.
1. Portable Calculator
In the 1960s, the electronic desktop calculator was among the most advanced arithmetic machines. Texas Instruments revolutionized this field by inventing the first portable calculator in Dallas in 1967, led by Jack Kilby. The device, called Cal Tech, hit the market in 1970 and could perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
2. Microchip
The same Jack Kilby developed the world’s first microchip in 1958. This invention became the precursor to the microprocessor, enabling the significant reduction in computer size.
3. Silicone Breast Implants
In 1961, Houston-based plastic surgeons Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow, with Dow Corning’s assistance, created the world’s first silicone breast implant. A year later, they performed the first breast augmentation surgery at the now-closed Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston. The first patient was Timmie Jean Lindsey, an American housewife and mother of six.
Initially, 29-year-old Timmie sought Dr. Gerow’s help to remove a large tattoo on her chest. The surgeon was part of a team working on the concept of breast implants and was looking for volunteers for the procedure.
Before performing surgery on a human, they tested the implant on a dog named Esmeralda, who had it for three weeks before complications required its removal.
4. Condensed Milk
Gail Borden, who transitioned from surveyor and teacher to newspaper publisher, politician, and entrepreneur, achieved success in Texas. It was here that Borden invented the method for condensing milk, forever changing the food industry.
At the time, cows were often transported on ships to meet passengers’ and crew’s food needs. In 1851, after both cows on his ship became sick and died, several children who drank contaminated milk also died. This motivated Borden to develop a way to preserve milk.
Inspired by a vacuum pan used by Shakers to condense fruit juice and herbs, Borden patented his milk condensation process in 1856 after three years of refining his model.
5. Ruby Red Grapefruit
Like many great inventions, the creation of the first Ruby Red grapefruit was accidental. Grapefruit trees had been grown in South Texas since the late 19th century. Unsatisfied with sour white and pink grapefruits, growers experimented with new varieties. In 1929, a Texas farmer noticed a mutated red fruit on a pink grapefruit tree. The Ruby Red’s flesh was not only red but also much sweeter than other varieties.
6. Frozen Margarita
The margarita cocktail was invented in 1942 by Francisco Morales, an American of Mexican descent. By 1971, Dallas restaurant owner Mariano Martinez modified a soft-serve ice cream machine to mix the ingredients for frozen margaritas.
The idea came to him after seeing Slurpee machines at 7-Eleven. He aimed to create a pre-mixed, frozen margarita that could be served on demand. Though initially met with skepticism, Martinez proved the concept was a hit.
Customers had complained about weak margaritas at Martinez’s restaurant due to slow service. His invention transformed how margaritas are made in eateries nationwide and beyond.
7. Topsy Tail Hair Accessory
American girls who grew up in the 1990s will likely remember the Topsy Tail. It was invented by Texas University graduate and marketer Tomima Edmark in 1989. This unique product quickly gained popularity among small business owners across the country. The idea came when Tomima saw a woman with a French hairstyle at a movie theater. She decided to create a hair accessory that could easily achieve similar intricate hairstyles.
8. Selective Laser Sintering
Most people think 3D printing is a 21st-century invention. However, it dates back to the mid-1980s when Carl Deckard and Joe Beaman at the University of Texas at Austin developed selective laser sintering (SLS). SLS is a 3D printing process that uses lasers to fuse or bond finely powdered material into a solid structure.
9. Dell Computer Systems
Few people know that Michael Dell, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, founded his company by selling personal computers from his dorm room. Dell Inc. has become one of the world’s leading personal computer suppliers. Dell built a $100 billion business starting with just $1,000.
10. Mary Kay Cosmetics
In 1963, at age 45, frustrated by gender inequality, Mary Kay Ash founded Mary Kay Inc. in Addison. Her marketing skills and acumen helped her turn a $5,000 investment into a multibillion-dollar cosmetics empire.
The skincare products that formed the basis of her company were developed by J.W. Heath, a leatherworker from Arkansas. He noticed his hands looked younger than his face, prompting him to experiment with a solution used in his trade. Heath’s formulas were eventually sold to Ash for $500.
For her employees, Mary Kay implemented an extensive rewards program that included trips, jewelry, and other luxurious gifts. Top beauty consultants even earned signature pink Cadillacs if they achieved leading sales.
11. Dr. Pepper Soft Drink
One of America’s most popular soda brands was created and patented in 1885 by pharmacist Charles Alderton. Dr. Pepper hit the market a year before the well-known Coca-Cola. It was first sold in a pharmacy in Waco and spread across America by 1904. Several Dr. Pepper varieties exist, such as diet versions and those with various flavors, though the classic flavor has a distinct cherry note.
12. Fritos Chips
These corn chips were invented by Charles Doolin in San Antonio in 1932. They gained huge popularity in Texas before going global. Fritos are made by frying whole corn flour. Besides chips, the brand also produces dips.
13. Liquid Paper Correction Fluid
In 1956, Dallas-based secretary Bette Nesmith Graham invented Liquid Paper correction fluid. Back then, it was used to edit typed documents. Applied evenly over a mistake, the fluid dries, creating a thin layer that allows for new typing or corrections.
14. Whole Foods Market
In 1980, a store dedicated to vegetarian products was established in Austin, initially named SaferWay. It later grew into the Whole Foods Market chain, focusing on selling healthy food products.
15. Shiner Beer
In 1909, Bavarian immigrant Kosmos Spoetzl founded Spoetzl Brewery in the town of Shiner. The brewer promoted Shiner beer by leaving bottles for farmers on fence posts without charging them. Shiner beer eventually gained popularity in Austin and beyond.