The Humble Safety Pin: A Centuries-Old Marvel of Science and Design
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News1818-01-2026, 15:54

The Humble Safety Pin: A Centuries-Old Marvel of Science and Design

  • The safety pin, a common everyday tool, boasts a rich history dating back to ancient times.
  • Known as 'fibula' in Latin, early versions were used to fasten clothes since the Bronze Age in Europe.
  • Modern safety pin was invented in 1849 by Walter Hunt, who added a spring mechanism and a hidden tip.
  • Hunt's design significantly improved safety by preventing accidental pricks, a major upgrade from older pins.
  • The safety pin's clever engineering, particularly its spring-like coil, demonstrates centuries of innovation.

Why It Matters: The safety pin, from ancient fibulae to modern design, is a testament to enduring human ingenuity.

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