The Original Inventor of the Modern Dildo: A Fascinating History

Today’s adult toy industry owes a lot to the innovators who first dared to design the modern dildo, a symbol of both pleasure and empowerment. But who exactly deserves credit as the original mind behind the dildo as we know it today? Let’s explore the history of the modern dildo’s first creator, the inspirations behind their design, and the legacy they left on an industry that’s only growing.

1. Early Mentions and the Evolution of the “Pleasure Device”

The history of dildos actually dates back thousands of years! Archaeologists have uncovered ancient pleasure devices made from materials like stone and wood in cultures from Greece to China, where these objects likely served ceremonial or sexual purposes. However, these early devices weren’t dildos as we think of them today; they lacked intentional ergonomic design, modern materials, and any real safety features.

It wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that the first inventor came forward with designs that resemble today’s sleek and functional models.

2. Dr. Joseph Mortimer Granville: The Creator of the Electric Vibrator (and Early Dildo Design)

While Granville didn’t invent the dildo outright, he was a pivotal figure in the evolution of sex toys. Dr. Granville created the first electric vibrator in the late 1800s, aiming to relieve “female hysteria,” a catchall diagnosis of women’s stress symptoms in Victorian England. Little did he know, his invention would go on to inspire later designs of the dildo. Granville’s goal may have been medicinal, but his vibrator’s popularity for “other uses” grew quickly.

> Fun Fact: Granville himself allegedly protested when he discovered his invention’s new use, saying, “I have never yet percussed a lady!” However, his protest didn’t stop the popularity boom!

3. Enter The Innovators: The 20th Century and the “Rubber Revolution”

Moving into the 20th century, adult toy creators saw the demand for products explicitly designed for sexual pleasure, and rubber began to replace older, less bodyfriendly materials. American and European inventors started experimenting with safer materials like latex and rubber for both hygiene and comfort, which led to the birth of the modern dildo.

One of the first recorded patents for a purposebuilt dildo design appeared in the early 20th century, as companies realized the commercial potential. Throughout the 1960s and ‘70s, the sexual liberation movement brought an explosion of new products, with dildos and vibrators becoming household names. Designs evolved rapidly, incorporating vibrant colors, new shapes, and even adjustable speeds and settings.

4. The Mystery of “Ted Marchetti” and The Iconic 1968 Patent

While there isn’t a single inventor to credit for the modern dildo, Ted Marchetti is a name often associated with early patented designs. Marchetti, an American inventor, filed a patent in 1968 for what he described as a “massaging device” with flexible features designed for pleasure. His creation was more than a technical achievement—it was a social revolution, as more people began openly exploring their sexuality. Marchetti’s work laid the groundwork for countless innovators and brands, many of whom still credit his 1968 design.

> Laughable Insight: Turns out, “massaging device” was code for “dildo” in the 1960s. We’ve come a long way from coded language!

5. The Legacy of the Original Dildo Designers

The efforts of these early inventors didn’t just create a product; they challenged social taboos and created space for conversations about pleasure and selfexploration. From Granville’s initial invention to Marchetti’s patent, these pioneers set the stage for a now multibilliondollar industry.

Today, designers incorporate bodysafe materials, thoughtful ergonomic designs, and innovative features, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for users everywhere. The industry’s openness has evolved too—people today are more empowered than ever to explore and celebrate their bodies, largely thanks to those early innovators.

6. The Modern Landscape: Beyond the Basics

Thanks to this progression, dildos today are more accessible and diverse than ever, including everything from basic silicone models to fantasyinspired designs. Modern brands honor the legacy of those early creators by constantly pushing the envelope in terms of technology and creativity.

> Laughable Insight: Looks like Granville and Marchetti would be amazed to see how their “medical device” and “massager” are now sold in neon colors with remote controls!