If it's not something you think much about, the history can be pretty surprising. I happen to have spent much of the past few years rummaging about in the archive closets of the Industrial Revolution -- its emergence and development. Part of that story is of development of technologies and products, some is how those came to be branded and merchandised.

It's fascinating history.

James Burke in his 1979 series Connections dates modern consumer goods to Wedgwood China in the 18th century.

The first real "personal appliances" -- consumer mechanical products -- were the bicycle and sewing machine, both emerging in the 1880s.

Edward Bernays and principles of modern PR and advertising would make another excellent topic of exploration.

All of which goes over and elucidates a tad more than snark.

But the NYPL link is appreciated.