Its first ever version in history was the one Hero, a Greek mathematician, invented more than twenty-two centuries ago when he created a machine that vends holy water in temples of Alexandria in Ancient Egypt.

It was not until the late nineteenth century when commercialized vending machines first sprouted, mainly due to the ever-ongoing Industrial Revolution. Most of these machines appeared in western nations such as United Kingdom and United States. The following were the pioneers in the modern age:

* Book-selling Vending Machine by Richard Carlisle of England in the early 1880's

* Gum Vending Machines were initiated by Thomas Adams in United States by 1888 and soon became an instant success as other companies have started to create similar machines, but with distinctions.

* Automatic vending machines first appeared in the early roaring 20's.

* William Rowe first created the cigarette-vending machine about half a decade later after the first automated vending machines.

Vending machines roared in the mainstream in the 20th century. Vendorlator Manufacturing Company, in particular, created vending machines for soft drinks. Later, versions of these machines offered photos, post cards, newspapers, beers and other alcoholic beverages, toiletries, potted plants and life insurance policies.

In Japan, whose population density and technology are both relatively lofty, vending machines are very abundant and diverse. These versions include selling the following: rice; live lobsters; fresh eggs; food storage lockers; rice cleaning service; photograph prints; cell phone recharges; cell phone prints, fishing line, hooks, and bait; tissue, gambling balls, parking services, dry ice, kerosene, fresh vegetables, rhinoceros beetles, recycling services, television cards, hot spring water; French fries, etcetera.

In Holland, Automatiek spread in great quantity. They sell croquette, French fries, frikadel, hamburger, and other snacks. This machine is heated so the products remain warm.

Other very odd products that some vending machines sell are: fried octopus; hot dogs; fried sea bream; pornographic videos; video games; and a very peculiar ‘real lobster in an aquarium' game.

Cigarette-selling vending machines are banned in some countries but are available in others, depending upon the government regulations and laws. These machines are banned because underage children would have easy access to cigarettes, which are non-environmentally friendly and a toxic to the human lungs.

But essentially, vending machines are great conveniences as they can provide a solution to hunger and thirst in a jiffy. For just a few coins and dollars you can have a pick of some of the most delicious snacks available. Need coffee? Not to worry, a coffee vending machine can perk you up instantly with various choices and blends of this caffeine drink.

Copyright © John Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

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