
serendipitous invention
Serendipitous invention refers to the unexpected discovery of a useful product or idea while pursuing something else. Essentially, it's a fortunate accident where someone stumbles upon a solution or innovation that they weren't specifically looking for. A famous example is the invention of penicillin by Alexander Fleming, who noticed how mold contaminated his Petri dishes, inhibiting bacterial growth. This chance observation led to the development of the world's first antibiotic, revolutionizing medicine. Serendipitous inventions often highlight creativity and open-mindedness, demonstrating that valuable ideas can emerge from unplanned experiences.