From the dawn of civilization, paper records have been a method of keeping track of important and necessary documentation. A common experience throughout the world's record keeping has been the necessity to ensure that all documents are kept together, and none are lost.
These included tying ribbons through the paper, and melting wax to secure the papers in place. For nearly 600 years, these were the methods used to secure papers.
In 1835, a machine that could mass-produce straight pins was invented by Howe J. L. , an American inventor. Although straight pins (大头针)were originally designed for sewing and tailoring, people began using them as a quick and easy way to secure papers.
In 1899 he patented the device, which consisted of a wire bent into a particularly shaped hoop for the purpose of securing papers.
During this time, however, the paperclip (回形针)was not a widely distributed device. Therefore, the Gem Manufacturing Company of England developed a machine to manufacture and standardize the paperclip design.
Today the paperclip is a famous invention used throughout offices, schoolrooms, and business throughout the world.
A. The next paper invention was that of the straight pin.
B. Before the paper clip, people had to be creative to keep paper together.
C. The humble item only came into popular usage around the mid-19th century.
D. Later, inspired by the straight pin, Norwegian Vaaler J. came up with the idea of the first paperclip.
E. This manufacturing development allowed for the expansion of the modern paperclip worldwide.
F. Being a wonder of simplicity and function, the paperclip remains a standard office supply throughout the world.
G. Therefore, from the early 13th century people had created various methods to ensure documents were kept together.