A quick search on YouTube will reveal thousands of different ways to become a millionaire. Most of the ways involve the internet or monetizing a certain skill.
However, in the early 1900s, the ways to earning a million usually involved inventing something useful.
Here is a list, published in 1916, that gives invention ideas that promised to make anyone a million dollars.
1. New automobile fuel that is cheaper than gasoline.
2. Puncture-proof and anti-skid car tires.
3. A non-leakable fountain pen, with an inkwell that cannot be knocked over.
4. Shoes that fasten with two snaps instead of laces or buttons.
5. A quick-fitting corset that stays tight to the figure without lacing.
6. A moth-proof wardrobe for summer homes, with smell eliminators.
7. An automatic rug beater that will vibrate by electricity and hammer out dust.
8. A window screen that rolls up like a shade and is easily detachable.
9. A secure, easy to remove window shade bracket that won’t damage casing.
10. A collar that won’t choke and can be attached without buttons.
11. Twin bottles of iodine, best antiseptic known and a quick stain remover.
12. Some means of using carrot flakes.
