As the beam tilts from the weight of the coin, the string lifts the plug and dispenses the desired drink until the coin drops off the beam.” On the other end of the beam is a string tied to a plug that stops a container of liquid. The coin hits a metal lever, like a balance beam.

explains how it worked: “A person puts a coin in a slot at the top of a box. In our technological age, it’s hard to imagine how a vending machine could have existed so long ago. (You can also thank him for creating the syringe and one of the first steam engines, among many other inventions.) However, the first vending machine-which sold holy water-is right up there with unconventional purchases.Īccording to, the first vending machine was invented by Hero of Alexandria, also known as Hero. Other items easily procured with the dispense of a few coins include beverages, snacks, shoes, and even live crabs. Back in the 1 st century CE, you could bless yourself-for a price.įast forward 2000 years and, yes, you can get an iPad from a vending machine.