In 1903, a chemist noticed a dropped glass flask hadn’t shattered completely; it led to safety glass that still protects millions of people today

French chemist Édouard Bénédictus is credited with a pivotal role in developing laminated safety glass, a material that revolutionized how glass is used. While the popular tale of a dropped flask might be embellished, the innovation’s impact is undeniable. This invention significantly reduced injuries from shattered glass in automobiles and buildings, becoming a cornerstone of modern safety design that continues to protect lives today.