For every good idea that's led to the invention of something that has in some way improved the lives of human beings, there have been at least 10 that were bad and ineffective. The problem was that before they realized said inventions were no good, their inventors thought they had made a great discovery.
It explains how on the free market and in stores, one could buy a gun mounted onto their hat or a torture machine for creating bruises that was seen as a beauty machine.
But perhaps even stranger is despite seeming absurd, the following inventions actually enjoy great (although temporary) success, making their creators wealthy.
Dimple Machine
Dimples make us charming. As long as we have them, of course. And if we don't? In 1923, Isabella Gilbert tried to answer this very question by creating something that seemed to be a cross between a cosmetic device and a Medieval torture mechanism.
Her Dimple-Maker was a device consisting of a leather strap that was attached to the ears and chin, with 2 bolts designed to bore into the cheeks. However, her invention was pulled off the market by the American Medical Association after doctors discovered that it did not create dimples, while it could cause cancer.
Double Cigarette Holder
The mid 20th century was the golden era for the tobacco industry. At the time, all sorts of strange smoking accessories appeared, while the cigarette ads would seem beyond scandalous from today's perspective. It was the time when the double cigarette holder made its debut.
It looked just like a standard cigarette holder, with the difference being that its end split into 2, allowing 2 people to smoke 1 cigarette simultaneously. The slogan for the product was: "shared enjoyment".
Automatic Hat Tipper
Many say that laziness is the catalyst for human technological progress. Proof of this can be found in the invention by English scientist James Boyle, who introduced the hands-free tipping hat.
In essence, underneath the standard bowler hats worn by gentlemen at the time, a small device was placed that would lift the hat whenever the person leaned forward, simulating the tipping of the hat.
Portable Helmet Gun
Another bizarre contraption from the bowler hat era was the portable helmet gun, invented by the American Albert Pratt. The apparatus consisted of a helmet with a revolver attached to it. The trigger was activated by blowing into a tube near the wearer's mouth.
Albert Pratt's invention was taken off the market after just 2 months due to numerous accidents. There were several deadly cases registered, while those who avoided a lethal end complained of pain, dizziness and head trauma.
