Philip B. Downing was a notable African-American inventor from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his patent for an innovative mail receptacle, a precursor to the modern mailbox, which allowed for the safe and efficient collection of outgoing mail by postal workers. The invention, patented in 1891, featured a convenient opening mechanism that minimized exposure to the elements and protected the contents from tampering. Downing also held other patents for innovations, showcasing his inventive spirit and contributions to technological advancement.
