Robert Chesebrough, the inventor of Vaseline, was a fascinating figure with an unusual personal habit. Born in 1837 in Brooklyn, New York, Chesebrough was a chemist who made a groundbreaking discovery in the realm of petroleum-based products. In 1859, while working as a chemist for a petroleum company, he stumbled upon a byproduct of the oil drilling process known as “rod wax.” This substance, though useful for its lubricating properties, was previously considered a waste product.

Recognizing its potential, Chesebrough experimented with refining and purifying the rod wax. After considerable trial and error, he developed a new product, which he named Vaseline. The name is derived from the German word “Wasser” (water) and the Greek word “elaion” (oil), reflecting its blend of oil and water. Chesebrough patented Vaseline in 1872 and began marketing it as a multipurpose healing and skin care product.

Chesebrough was so confident in the safety and efficacy of his invention that he made a peculiar personal practice of consuming a spoonful of Vaseline every day. He believed in its health benefits, attributing to it not only skin healing properties but also digestive and overall health benefits. His unusual habit was part of a broader trend among inventors of the time to personally test their products to prove their safety and effectiveness.

Vaseline became widely popular and remains a staple in many households today, a testament to Chesebrough’s innovative spirit and unusual personal endorsement of his product.