What Did Edwin Binney Invent
Okay, so you're probably thinking, "Edwin Binney? Never heard of him!" But trust me, you definitely know his most famous invention. I mean, who doesn't?
Ready for the big reveal? Drumroll, please... He co-invented... (wait for it)... CRAYOLA CRAYONS!
Yeah, those crayons that probably spent more time being eaten (oops, did I say that out loud?) than actually coloring masterpieces. We've all been there, right?
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But Wait, There's More!
Don't go thinking Binney was just a one-hit wonder! Oh no, my friend. This guy was a bona fide inventor. He was like the Edison of colorful things. Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration… but only slight!
Binney & Smith (that’s the company he co-founded) were actually experts in pigments way before Crayola came along. They were making things like lampblack (a type of black pigment), shoe polish, and even industrial crayons for marking crates and barrels. Exciting stuff, huh? Well, maybe not super exciting, but necessary!
So, how did he go from industrial-strength markers to fueling kids' imaginations worldwide?
The Birth of Crayola
The story goes that Edwin Binney noticed that the industrial crayons were kind of...crappy. They were dusty, messy, and definitely not suitable for delicate little hands (or mouths!). He wanted to create something better, something safe and affordable for kids. A noble cause, if you ask me!
And he did! With the help of his nephew, C. Harold Smith (talk about a family business!), they developed a new crayon recipe using paraffin wax and safe pigments. Voila! The Crayola crayon was born. Well, almost. They still needed a name.
This is where the story gets even cooler. Apparently, Binney's wife, Alice, was a former schoolteacher (talk about knowing your target audience!) She came up with the name "Crayola" by combining the French words "craie" (chalk) and "ola" (oily). Genius, right?
Beyond the Box: Other Binney Inventions
Okay, so we know he's the crayon king (or at least a crayon duke). But what else did this man dream up? Buckle up, because there’s more!
Remember that lampblack I mentioned earlier? Binney’s company was a major player in that industry. They even developed a way to make it more efficiently! Think about it – before electricity, lampblack was essential for lighting and countless other things. He was practically keeping the world illuminated! (Okay, maybe indirectly keeping the world illuminated.)
His company was also involved in making printing inks, shoe polish (gotta keep those shoes shiny!), and even pigments for car tires! So, next time you’re driving around, remember to thank Edwin Binney for contributing to the blackness of your tires. Just kidding... mostly.
Why Does It Matter?
So, why should we care about some guy who invented crayons and tire pigment? Well, think about it. Crayola crayons sparked creativity and imagination in generations of kids. They provided a way for children to express themselves and explore the world around them.
And beyond the crayons, Binney's work in pigments and other materials helped to shape various industries. He was a pioneer in developing innovative and practical solutions to everyday problems.
Not bad for a guy who started out making lampblack, huh?
So, next time you see a box of crayons (or a particularly shiny pair of shoes), remember Edwin Binney. He might not be a household name, but his inventions have touched the lives of millions. And that's something to celebrate!