History of the Pencil
To understand the history of the pencil, the history of humanity must also be engaged. Humans have recorded events in their history as early as 32,000 years ago, dating to the original cave paintings. While the true nature of these paintings is still unknown, the fact remains that they were created to convey a message, the purpose of all writing.
Over time, other forms of writing implements were created. Most of these were tough, sharp objects used to carve designs into level objects, such as the Jiaguwen, or Chinese oracle bone script. The Sumerians and their subsequent descendants created a written language we call today cuneiform, based on using clay tablets as the flat object, and using a stylus to carve the characters. These early uses were based on a solid object carving onto a surface. It would not be until the Romans introduced a lead stylus that produced pigment onto the surface or papyrus. However the neurotoxin nature of lead makes it unsuited for usage, and thus the pen became a more prominent and safer writing utensil.
Yet sometime in the 1600s all that changed. The largest deposit of pure graphite ever found was discovered at Seathwaite Fell near Borrowdale, Cumbria, England. Thought to be lead, that is why to this day, the graphite in pencils is commonly referred to as such. The graphite was also easily cut into sticks, which the locals discovered was excellent for use in marking their sheep. However, other applications for graphite, specifically those used in war, were deemed more valuable. Soon word spread of this soft, but excellent at marking substance, originally wrapped in sheepskin or string. Artists were of particular interest in getting their hands on these sticks. However the monopoly on the find was owned by England. Germany soon developed a synthetic graphite sticks combining graphite, sulphur and antimony. This would be the basis of the numerous German and English companies around to this day.
However, the holders at the time were not strong enough for extended use, and the need for a stronger base around the graphite was needed. The origins of the wooden holder come from Italy, where juniper sticks were hollowed out, creating a far more oval and flat pencil than those used today, and filled with the graphite sticks. Eventually a method involving cutting the sticks in half, hollowing out the center, and laying in the lead proved to be far more successful and the predecessor to modern day pencils. America saw pencils as imports from Europe, until American made pencils started coming out from Concord, Massachusetts in 1812 by William Munroe. However this process was slow, and Ebenezer Wood discovered a way to improve this technique. Wood is the inventor of hexagon and octagon wood pencil cases. Yet Wood did not patent his technique allowing Eberhand Faber to become the iconic name it is today. In the mid 19th Century, Joseph Dixon developed a way of mass producing pencils, allowing the company to become one of the largest in the world.
Today pencils are made throughout the world, produced in over 20 grades, countless colors, and innumerous shapes and sizes. They are used in almost every profession, and have become rooted into our culture from childhood. While new techniques and types are created every day, the fact remains that the pencil is here to stay as the writing implement of choice.
