Dutch Fun Facts: Inventions & Creations
The Dutch have always been inventive. Here is a list of some well-known creations first introduced in Holland and now used by people and countries around the world…
JENEVER – The Dutch introduced ‘jenever’, a juniper-flavored liquor from which gin descended, in the 16th century. The major distilleries were located in the city of Schiedam.
STOCK MARKET – Amsterdam is where the world’s first stock market was launched in 1602 when the Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie or VOC) sold equity shares to raise money for expansion.
TELESCOPE – Hans Lippershey patented the first telescope in 1608.
PENDULUM CLOCK – Introduced by Dutch scientist and inventor Christiaan Huygens in 1656.
KORFBAL – Korfbal is a team sport with similarities to basketball and netball but is mixed-gender. Teams are comprised of 8 players – 4 men and 4 women. It was introduced by Dutch school teacher Nico Broekhuysen in Amsterdam in 1902.
METRONOME – In 1814, Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel from Amsterdam invented the mechanical musical chronometer used by many instructors and composers to maintain a specific rhythmic timing.
MIFFY – The children’s book character ‘Miffy’ (recognized by the wide X for his nose) was created by author Dick Bruna in 1955. The character is also known by the name ‘Nijntje’ (little rabbit).
LASER DISC – After developing a reflective mode video laser disc technology in 1969, the Dutch electronics company Philips partnered with MCA in 1972 to commercialize the technology. In 1978, video laser discs and players were introduced to the U.S. market.
COMPACT DISC – In the early 1970’s, Philips was experimenting with optical technology for audio and partnered with Sony to jointly develop the first digital audio disc. By the end of that decade, digital audio discs (compact discs) started entering the market.
BLUETOOTH – In 1994, Dutch electrical engineer Jaap Haartsen developed Bluetooth technology while working for telecom company Ericsson. It is the basis for such things as the wireless mouse, computer networking and consumer electronics.
DVD – Philips introduced the optical technology storage disc (DVD) in 1995.
BLUE-RAY: Philips introduced Blue-ray video technology in 1997.
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE – In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to introduce same-sex marriage which has the same legal status as that of heterosexual couples.
SENZ UMBRELLA – The odd-looking ‘storm-proof umbrella‘ was designed by 3 Dutch students while attending the Technical University of Delft in 2006.
THE VOICE – The television music reality competition, which has judges deciding on a singer’s musical ability while their backs are turned to the performer was developed by Dutchman John de Mol as ‘The Voice of Holland’ in 2010. The show quickly spread to other countries.
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DUTCH TRIVIA: BUILDINGS & PLACES