The History of Toilet Paper: From Leaves to Recycled
Paper
Which came first, the toilet or the toilet paper? Well
that is a no brainer! Before the great invention of toilet paper the
rich used wool,
lace or hemp. Less fortunate people used rags, wood shavings, grass,
corn husks and even seashells. Seashells? Ouch! Ancient Romans used a
sponge but for the moment we will ignore the invention of the sponge.
One can only handle so much education in one day.
The old Farmer's Almanac
came with a hole punched in the corner and was often hung on a nail
in the outhouse. So not only could you read but when you were done you
could
wipe and toss it away.
During the 1700's
newspaper was the toilet paper of choice.
Many people complained
in the 1930's when Sears started producing their catalog on glossy
paper. (It just wasn't very absorbant)
The
Scott Paper company
sold the first toilet paper on a roll in 1879, but they were
embarassed to
put their name on it.
During the late 19th century the first
easy to tear toilet paper with perferations in it was produced.
In 1935 Northern Tissue advertises it's paper as splinter free. (makes
you wonder what it was like before)
1943 brought toilet paper with images of Hilter on it.
1999 the Japanese invented the paperless toilet. A combination toilet,
bidet & drying element
2004 A young man from Wisconsin goes to NYC and invents
ShitBeGone 100% recycled toilet paper. No more splinters, no more flushing
trees down the toilet!
Which came first, the toilet or the toilet paper? Well
that is a no brainer! Before the great invention of toilet paper the
rich used wool,
lace or hemp. Less fortunate people used rags, wood shavings, grass,
corn husks and even seashells. Seashells? Ouch! Ancient Romans used a
sponge but for the moment we will ignore the invention of the sponge.
One can only handle so much education in one day. 