From the torture track to the narcotic Coca-Cola: things that were used differently (11 photos)

Every day we use objects that clearly do not require instructions. However, some things have much more interesting origins, and were originally intended for completely different purposes.





Many girls sacrifice comfort for the sake of beauty and wear high-heeled shoes to look more impressive by artificially enlarging their legs. True, from the gait of some it is clear that they were not originally intended for walking at all. They were first created in the 16th century for Persian soldiers to train stability, which was supposed to help with archery while running.



Those who use means to increase potency are very familiar with such a remedy as Viagra. It was just intended as a cure for heart disease. When taken, it was supposed to improve blood flow in the myocardium, but in tests, a rush of blood was observed elsewhere. Pfizer quickly realized that although the drug would not improve the heart, it would help with cardiac issues, so they launched the product on the market for other purposes.





Have you ever wondered why there are raised dots on some coffee lids? In some catering establishments, drinks are prepared in advance. In order to then determine which of them is in the glass, without opening the lid, press this very point, next to which the corresponding name is indicated.



Hangers, which are now made mainly from metal or plastic, also deserve special attention. However, in the past they were mostly made of cedar. These hangers are best suited for storing jackets, fur coats or sweaters. This type of wood contains oils that repel moths.



In order to lose weight, people often drive themselves onto treadmills, sometimes even through force. Apparently, the reluctance to use this sports equipment is caused by echoes of the past. The prototype of the track appeared in the 19th century, however, it was not intended for sports, but for torture and punishment. Inventor William Cubitt, during a visit to the prison, was indignant that the prisoners were chilling, and decided to keep them busy with something. For these purposes, he created his exhausting treadmill, which lasted almost a century.



Today Listerine is used as a mouthwash. However, it was previously used as a surgical disinfectant, as well as a medicine for insect bites, to treat wounds and get rid of dandruff. The Johnson brothers gave it this name in honor of the “father” of surgical antisepsis, Joseph Lister.



Some toothbrushes have blue bristles in the middle, the purpose of which few people know. It turns out that it serves as an indicator by which you can understand when to replace the brush. If a personal hygiene item has become lighter in color, it’s time to throw it away.



American Thomas Sullivan accidentally invented the tea bag. Or rather, his clients. Since competitors were selling tea in large volumes, he decided to distinguish himself and sold the tea leaves in portions in small silk bags. However, without prompting, customers did not realize that the tea needed to be poured out, so they put the bags in boiling water. The merchant realized the value of his accidental invention after sales jumped several times.



Today you can meet people who are addicted to Coca-Cola. At least once a day, you need to drink a jar of this drink. One British woman drank this black soda every day for 20 years, trying to prove the drink’s harmlessness, but she developed a bunch of illnesses, including diabetes and obesity. But at the end of the 19th century, the likelihood of getting hooked on Coke was much higher, since pharmacist John Pemberton created it for other purposes.



During the American Civil War, many soldiers became addicted to morphine, which led to the emergence of the so-called “army disease.” To reduce morphine addiction, Pemberton created Coca, a wine drink made from wine, the cola nut and the coca plant, from which cocaine is made. In 1886, alcohol had to be removed from the drink due to restrictions on sales. Then a drink appeared, which contained cane sugar instead of wine.



The rest of the ingredients remained the same. The company created by a pharmacist changed its name several times until it settled on the well-known Coca-Cola.