In 1903 Edouard Benedictus, a French
scientist, dropped glass flask and it did not shatter.
The pieces of glass were broken, but they stayed in place and
maintained the shape of the container. Upon investigation Benedictus
found the flask had originally contained a solution of
cellulose nitrate, a liquid plastic that had evaporated.
This was the first type of safety glass developed, a product which
is now frequently used in car windshields, safety goggles, doors, stairs, bank protection shields, and
more.