The History of the Humble Pencil
The History of Pencil Manufacturing - and Why You Should Care. The history of pencil manufacturing dates back to ancient civilizations, where the Egyptians and Romans used metal styluses to write on papyrus and wax tablets. However, it was not until the 16th century that the first wooden pencil was created. In 1565, a huge deposit of graphite was discovered in Cumberland, England. Graphite, a naturally occurring form of carbon, was ideal for writing because it left a darker mark than lead or other metals. Lumps of graphite were sawn into sticks, wrapped in string or sheepskin, and used as a writing instrument. In the 18th century, the French chemist, Nicholas-Jacques Conte, discovered that mixing ground graphite with clay could create a more uniform and durable pencil. This invention revolutionized pencil manufacturing, and the modern pencil, as we know it today, was born. Throughout the 19th century, the pencil-making industry continued to develop. In 1812, William Monroe of Mas...
