1) A number of products that we commonly use today were developed quite by accident. Two of many possible examples of this concept are the leotard and the Popsicle, each of which came about when an insightful person recognized a potential benefit in a negative situation.

2) The first of these accidental inventions is the leotard, a close-fitting, one-piece garment worn today by dancers, gymnasts, and acrobats, among others. 1A In 1828, a circus performer named Nelson Hower was faced with the prospect of missing his performance because his costume was at the cleaners. 1B Instead of canceling his part of the show, he decided to perform in his long underwear. 1C Soon, other circus performers began performing the same way. 1D When popular acrobat Jules Leotard adopted the style, it became known as the leotard.

3) 2A Another product invented by chance was the Popsicle. 2BIn 1905, eleven-year-old Frank Epperson stirred up a drink of fruit-flavored powder and soda water and then mistakenly left the drink, with the spoon in it, out on the back porch overnight. 2C As the temperature dropped that night, the soda water froze around the spoon, creating a tasty treat. 2D Years later, remembering how enjoyable the treat had been, Epperson went into business producing Popsicles.