Like accidentally stumbling upon a treasure chest, world history is full of events and discoveries that amaze global citizens even today. Do you ever find yourself wondering how the human race would have evolved if Michael Faraday had not invented the electric motor in 1821 or if the apple had not fallen on top of Issac Newton?

You will not believe the items on this list. Prepare to be amazed because we’re about to tell you about some of the marvels of modern science that happened totally by accident!

#1 - Viagra

Would you believe someone if they told you Viagra was discovered when Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company, was developing a drug for angina? Yes, this is indeed true. Before its discovery, the drug was referred to as UK 92480 and its purpose was to increase blood supply to the heart. The drug was almost scrapped and thrown in the bin when its male test subjects came back with an unusual observation. While the drug did not provide the blood flow where it was required, it did improve the blood flow in another area of the male body. Hence came the small blue pill with a “V” symbol on it that we’ve heard so much about in recent years.

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#2 - Vulcanization

Vulcanization is often referred to as the chemical process through which the physical properties of natural or synthetic rubber can be improved. This process benefits and improves tensile strength, durability, and resistance to swelling and abrasion. Scientist Charles Goodyear was working with rubber on a completely different project when he accidentally dropped the newest composite on a hot stove. After cooling it, however, Goodyear realized that the rubber had become more durable and weather-proof, leading to the discovery of a new way of making tires for motoring vehicles.

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#3 - X-rays

When you walk into a hospital with a broken arm, the first thing they ask from you is to get an x-ray done. It might come as a shock to some that X-rays were discovered totally by accident. It was Professor Wilhelm Ronkin who was experimenting with whether cathode rays could pass through glass and during one particular experiment, he discovered there was an unusual ray that passed through almost everything but human bones. And the world of science and medicine was never the same.

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These are the shocking discoveries made by accident. Unbelievable, aren’t they?