Ancient Practices and Materials
- Ancient Romans used a sponge on a stick called a xylospongium for cleansing, dipped in water and vinegar.
- The Greeks used broken pottery pieces called pessoi; sometimes these pieces had enemies’ names inscribed on them.
- Bamboo sticks wrapped with cloth were used in China and Japan over 2,000 years ago.
Evolution of Toilet Paper in China
- The first recorded use of toilet paper was in 6th-century China, noted by scholar Yen Chih-Thu.
- By the 14th century, China was producing millions of toilet paper packages annually.
Cultural Preferences and Alternatives in Europe and Middle East
- In medieval Europe, lambswool, hay, and even books were used for personal hygiene.
- Water and hands were preferred for cleansing in the Middle East, unlike paper use.
Commercial Introduction and Innovations
- Joseph Gayetty introduced the first commercially available toilet paper in the USA in 1857, medicated with aloe.
- The advent of perforated toilet paper rolls in 1890 marked a significant innovation.
Progress in Advertising and Consumer Perception
- Early 20th-century adverts emphasized medical benefits, like Gayetty’s ‘medicated paper’ for hemorrhoids.
- In the 1950s and onwards, toilet paper advertising shifted towards comfort and satisfaction over health.
♠
Found a bug? Have some other thoughts on this tool? Let me know here →
