Paper and Paper Products

Introduction

Paper is used for copy, books, magazines, and newspapers to disseminate technical, scientific and other information.   It is also widely used for containers to package, store and transport goods.   It is made from cellulose, such as, bark, hemp, rags, and wood pulp.   Paper replaced the much more expensive papyrus and parchment for recording.   The invention of paper in 105 CE, by Tsai Lun, a Chinese, can be considered one of the greatest inventions of all time.   It's hard to imagine how technical, scientific, business, and any other kind of knowledge and training could have promulgated the kinds of innovations and living standards that exist today without the written word.   Inventions and automation of paper processing over many years have made paper and its products cheap and plenty, so that books, magazines, packaging, and other paper products are widespread.   The general use of digital computers and computer networks has not abated the need for paper products.

To 1790

The first paper mill in America was built by German settlers in Pennsylvania in 1690.   The paper was made by hand from linen rags pounded into pulp. ^{Carruth 37}

Wallpaper was sold by 1730 in the American colonies ^{Carruth 55} instead of being exclusively imported from England.

1790-1799

1800-1809

1810-1819

Thomas Gilpin of Delaware produced machine-made paper in 1817.   In addition to being cheaper than hand-made paper, it allowed for custom-paper.

1820-1829

1830-1839

Two brothers, John and Lyman Hollingsworth, from South Braintree, MA, invented Manilla paper made from hemp rope, sails, canvas, and other leftovers in 1838.   They received a patent for their process in 1843. ^{Carruth 205}

1840-1849

1850-1859

1860-1869

1870-1879

1880-1889

1890-1899

1900-1909

1910-1919

1920-1929

1930-1939

1940-1949

1950-1959

1960-1969

1970-1979

1980-1989

1990-1999