In Paris, France, chemist Édouard Bénédictus accidentally discovered safety glass when he knocked over a glass flask that had contained cellulose nitrate, a liquid plastic. The flask cracked but did not shatter, and Bénédictus realized that the plastic coating had held the glass together. He patented the process for making safety glass, which was later used in car windshields and other applications. This was an accidental discovery that had a significant impact on safety in transportation and construction.

The discovery of safety glass is a classic example of serendipity in science, and it has been featured in poetry and literature as a symbol of the unexpected benefits of accidents. The story of Bénédictus's broken flask has become a popular anecdote, demonstrating the importance of observation and creativity in scientific discovery. Safety glass has also been used as a metaphor for resilience and the ability to hold together under pressure, themes that have been explored by poets who write about the human condition.