Another invention quiz this week; an intrepid American and an unlikely episode in the history of cinema.

In 1866, John Wesley Hyatt discovered that when he spilled in his workshop a bottle of a synthetic substance called collodion, it hardened into a tough but still pliable material which, it struck him, would be ideal for the production of something necessary for a pastime which was at that time rapidly growing in popularity in the U.S. (and is still popular today, though not to the same extent). Until this point, the objects in question had to made from an expensive, natural substance that could not, in fact, be obtained in North America. A shortage of the natural substance left widely felt need, among players and manufacturers, for a cheap alternative.

Hyatt eventually created synthetic versions of this object, out of a substance called nitrocellulose resin. The results were impressive -- the cheaply produced objects were every bit as servicable as the ones made from the rare natural substance. The only problem was, these objects had a tendency to throw off sparks and a bang when struck, which was a constant and inevitable aspect of the their use. Eventually the formula was refined, and the substance Hyatt had used went on to become the basis for celluloid film.

What were these in-demand objects Hyatt wanted to use nitrocellulose to make? Bonus points: what was the natural substance which he hoped to make unnecessary?

If you're new to the quiz, our only rule is that you rely on your intra-cranial search engine only. First correct answer to comments wins a satisfyingly heavy pen decorated handsomely with the logo of a not-quite-deceased tech consulting firm.