Pen
cil: More Than Just A Writing Tool
When we think of a pencil, the first thing that comes to mind is a writing tool. However, pencils have evolved over the years and have become much more than just what we use to jot down notes. In this article, we will explore the cold and fascinating facts about pencils.
The Lead: Not Actually Lead
Contrary to popular belief, the lead in a pencil is not made of lead. The element used in pencils is actually graphite, a soft and slippery material that is mined from deposits all over the world. The graphite is mixed with clay to give it structure and is baked in a furnace to give it its familiar shape.
The Eraser: Invented Later
The eraser is now an integral part of a pencil, but did you know that erasers were not always attached to pencils? In fact, the eraser was invented more than 200 years after the pencil. Before this invention, people used bread crumbs, wax, or even their own saliva to erase pencil marks. It was not until the mid-19th century that erasers were first attached to pencils.
The First Mechanical Pencil: 16th Century
Mechanical pencils might seem like a modern invention, but they have been around for centuries. The first-ever mechanical pencil was invented in 1575 by a man named Nicholas-Jacques Conte. His design used a lead refill that was advanced by turning a screw at the end of the pencil. This concept has been refined over the centuries, but the basic design remains the same.
Pencils In Space
Pencils have been used in space since the early days of the space race. However, in 1965, NASA was faced with a problem. Traditional wooden pencils were not allowed on space missions because they could potentially break and produce dangerous splinters in zero gravity. NASA searched for an alternative and eventually found it in the form of the mechanical pencil. NASA paid $129.95 for a custom-made mechanical pencil, while the Soviet Union used pencils for their space missions.
The World's Largest Pencil
Pencils come in all shapes and sizes, but the world's largest pencil is truly a sight to behold. The pencil, located in Malaysia, stands over 76 feet tall and weighs more than 22,000 pounds. It was built in 2008 and features a functioning sharpener that can sharpen a regular-sized pencil.
Conclusion
As we can see, pencils have a rich history and have evolved in countless ways over the years. From the surprising fact that the lead is not actually made of lead to the ingenious invention of the mechanical pencil, pencils have come a long way since their humble beginnings. So, the next time you pick up a pencil, take a moment to appreciate all the cold and fascinating facts that make it more than just a writing tool.
