What Year Was Toilet Paper Invented? Exploring the History of a Modern Necessity

Introduction

Toilet paper is one of those everyday items we take for granted. We use it without giving much thought to its origin or its inventor. But the invention of toilet paper was an important milestone in human history, changing the way people approach hygiene and sanitation. So, when was toilet paper invented?

Toilet paper is a soft tissue that is used for personal hygiene after using the restroom. It comes in many forms, including sheets, rolls, and flushable wipes. It’s made out of paper pulp or recycled paper products and is often treated with fragrances or chemicals.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of toilet paper, from its ancient Chinese origins to its commercialization in the early 1900s. We’ll look at who invented toilet paper and the timeline of innovation that followed. And finally, we’ll reflect on the emergence of toilet paper and how it changed hygiene habits around the world.

A History of Toilet Paper: Exploring the Invention of a Modern Necessity

Toilet paper has been around for centuries, but its exact origin is unclear. Historians have traced its earliest uses back to Ancient China, where people would use materials like grass, straw, and other plant-based fibers for personal hygiene. Over time, these materials evolved into the soft paper we use today.

“The first documented use of toilet paper dates back to the 6th century AD in China,” says historian and author Elizabeth Pomeroy. “By the 14th century, it had become an established practice in China as well as Japan.”

The Inventor of Toilet Paper: Who Changed Hygiene Forever?

The modern invention of toilet paper is credited to two individuals: Joseph Gayetty and Seth Wheeler. In 1857, Joseph Gayetty created the first commercially available toilet paper in the United States. He sold his product in packages of 500 sheets and advertised it as a “medicated paper” that could be used for “the cure of piles and all other diseases of the rectum”.

Seth Wheeler is credited with inventing the perforated toilet paper roll in 1871. He founded the Albany Perforated Wrapping Paper Company and began selling rolls of toilet paper featuring perforations along the edges, making it easier to tear off individual sheets.

Timeline of Toilet Paper Innovation: A Look at Early Innovations

Following the invention of the modern toilet paper roll, several innovations helped to shape the industry. Here’s a look at some of the key milestones in toilet paper history:

Early 1800s

In 1817, the first patent for toilet paper was issued to Englishman Edward Johnson. His patent described a “machine for cutting up rags for paper hangings and other useful purposes.” Johnson’s machine was designed to cut strips of cloth into small pieces, which could then be used as toilet paper.

Late 1800s

In 1879, Massachusetts-based Scott Paper Company introduced the first toilet paper on a roll. The company’s product was marketed as a “sanitary convenience” and was advertised as being less messy than traditional cloth rags.

Early 1900s

In 1902, Northern Tissue Company introduced colored toilet paper. This new product was available in a range of colors, including pink, blue, green, orange, and yellow. It was also the first toilet paper to be embossed with a pattern.

From Rags to Riches: How Toilet Paper Became a Household Staple

Once toilet paper became commercially available, it quickly gained traction among consumers. Companies began to invest in advertising and marketing campaigns to promote their products, and by the 1920s, toilet paper had become a household staple.

The commercialization of toilet paper was largely driven by the growing availability of wood pulp, which was used to make the paper. Wood pulp was cheaper and more readily available than traditional cloth rags, so companies were able to produce toilet paper at a lower cost. This opened up the market to a wider audience, allowing companies to capitalize on the growing demand.

“By the mid-20th century, toilet paper had become the dominant form of wiping and cleaning the body,” says Pomeroy. “It was easy to use, disposable, and relatively cheap, so it quickly gained acceptance in households around the world.”

The Emergence of Toilet Paper: How it Changed Hygiene Habits Around the World

The invention of toilet paper changed the way people approach hygiene and sanitation. Before the invention of toilet paper, people used a variety of materials for cleaning, including water, leaves, and cloth rags. But toilet paper was a more effective and hygienic solution, so it quickly became the go-to option for personal hygiene.

Not only did toilet paper make hygiene easier, it also improved sanitation levels around the world. By enabling people to clean themselves more effectively, it helped to reduce the spread of disease and improve public health.

“Toilet paper has revolutionized our approach to hygiene and sanitation,” says Pomeroy. “It’s enabled us to maintain higher standards of cleanliness and reduce the spread of illness.”

Conclusion

Toilet paper is one of those everyday items we take for granted. But the invention of toilet paper was an important milestone in human history, changing the way people approach hygiene and sanitation. Its invention can be traced back to Ancient China, with Joseph Gayetty and Seth Wheeler credited with the modern invention of toilet paper.

Since its invention, toilet paper has gone through a number of innovations, from colored varieties to embossed patterns. It has become a household staple, thanks to its affordability and ease of use. And it has had a major impact on global sanitation levels, helping to reduce the spread of disease.

So the next time you reach for a roll of toilet paper, take a moment to appreciate the long and fascinating history behind this modern necessity.