Based on paragraphs 1-2, the author's claim is that inventions are not always created to meet current needs but are sometimes the result of chance discoveries or unexpected outcomes. The author argues that some inventions, such as penicillin, were discovered by accident and were not initially intended to meet a specific need.
The evidence provided to support this claim includes examples of accidental inventions and quotes from inventors who have expressed surprise at the outcomes of their work. However, the author does not provide any data or statistics to support the claim.
Overall, the claim that inventions are not always created to meet current needs is supported by anecdotal evidence, but could benefit from further research and data to strengthen the argument.