Roller Skates: The Masquerade CrashA disastrous party entrance that created a pastime

From the show

The Secret Life of Objects

Eccentric inventor John Joseph Merlin debuted his metal-wheeled boots at a 1760 London masquerade ball. Determined to dazzle the elite, he glided into the salon playing a violin, but having neglected to invent brakes, he smashed directly into a priceless mirror. This chaotic, glass-shattering failure introduced the world to the thrill of rolling on wheels.