The remarkable history of the vending machine
The remarkable story of the first vending machine dates back to the first century AD in ancient Egypt. It is believed that Hero of Alexandria, a Greek mathematician and engineer, invented a device known as “Heron’s Aeolipile” or the “Holy Spirit” machine. Although it was not a typical vending machine as we know it today, it laid the foundation for the concept.
Hero’s Aeolipile was a steam-powered device consisting of a small boiler mounted on a pivot. The boiler had two outlets, and as steam built up inside, it would escape through these outlets, causing the device to spin. Hero’s invention was more of a novelty item rather than a practical vending machine, but it had an automated mechanism and can be considered an early precursor to the concept.
The modern concept of a vending machine, designed to dispense goods automatically, emerged centuries later. The credit for creating the first true vending machine goes to Richard Carlisle, an English publisher and bookshop owner. In the early 18th century, around 1722, Carlisle invented a machine called the “Snuff Box.” This machine was primarily intended to sell snuff, a powdered tobacco product popular at the time.
Carlisle’s Snuff Box was a mechanical device made of wood and brass. It featured a coin-operated mechanism where users would insert a coin into a slot, and in return, the machine would dispense a predetermined amount of snuff. The device was quite successful, and Carlisle installed several of these machines in various taverns around London.
Another significant advancement came in the late 19th century when vending machines became more widespread and diverse in their offerings. In 1883, Percival Everett, an American inventor, created the first vending machine that could dispense postcards. These machines were installed in railway stations and allowed passengers to purchase postcards and stamps conveniently.
However, it was the invention of the first fully automatic vending machine in the 20th century that revolutionized the industry. In 1888, the Thomas Adams Gum Company introduced the “Adams’ Tutti-Frutti Gum” vending machine in the United States. This machine used a rotating drum mechanism to dispense sticks of chewing gum. It became incredibly popular, and the success of this machine laid the foundation for the modern vending industry.
Over the years, vending machines have evolved to offer a wide variety of products, ranging from beverages and snacks to toiletries, electronics, and even cars in some cases. Modern vending machines often incorporate advanced technologies such as touchscreen interfaces, cashless payment systems, and remote monitoring capabilities.
The remarkable story of the first vending machine showcases the human ingenuity and innovation that has shaped the vending industry into what it is today. From Hero’s steam-powered device to Carlisle’s Snuff Box and the Tutti-Frutti Gum machine, each contribution has played a part in creating a convenient and automated way for people to access products on demand.
