If we wanted to create a list of needs right now, one of the first products we would probably write would be toilet paper. How would you like to learn about the birth story of toilet paper, which we can call the sought-after product of today’s needs lists, and whose absence is considered a big problem?
Let’s remember the quarantine days. Especially in 2020, when we were faced with curfews for the first time, at the beginning of the products we stocked. toilet paper was coming. Toilet paper, which we cannot tolerate even the thought of its absence, once did not exist. Well, if that’s the case, what were the people of that period doing to replace the toilet paper, which is indispensable today?
The ancestor of toilet paper a stick with a sponge on itIt is assumed to consist of We wanted to examine together the details of this interesting and deep-rooted story that started with a stick and ended with the toilet paper we know. Here is the birth story of toilet paper, which can be remembered in emergency situations.
Stick with sponge: Tersorium
Romans known to have been used during tersorium; A stick dipped in salt or vinegar water, with a sponge attached to it. It has not been fully clarified by archaeologists whether this stick, which is known to have been used in the public toilets of Ancient Rome, functions as toilet paper. Archaeologists are also considering the possibility that the tersoriums may have been used not for personal cleaning, but for toilet cleaning. It is still possible to say that tersoriums are the ancestors of toilet paper, with probabilities.
In the 1900s, we come across hygiene sticks.
to the northwest of China, ancient Silk Road when we lie down on it; 1992In this region, we see another tool that gives the signals of toilet paper by archaeologists: hygiene stick. Archaeologists conclude from microscopic analysis that 7 hygiene sticks made of bamboo and wrapped in fabric were designed for personal cleaning. 2 thousand The sticks, which are understood to be old, have been found covered with human excrement. As a result of the analysis, it turns out that the stool is human, together with the intestinal parasites in it. Hygiene sticks, which are clear that people make and use for themselves, compared to tersorium, can be found on the Silk Road. transmission of diseases Another important finding by archaeologists that it was a very effective tool in
There was toilet paper in the 6th century!
toilet paper, 6th century It is said to have been used by wealthy Chinese families. on the other hand 14th centuryChina’s zheijang per year in the region 10 million packages It is known that toilet paper production is made, which indicates that it has even started mass production beyond the existence of toilet paper. While China was too involved in the production and use of toilet paper, Europe and AmericaIn , however, things are not like that! Arrival of toilet paper in Europe and America, late 1800’s it coincides. The lack of toilet concept in both continents, its late formation; delays the process of toilet paper in these two continents.
What was used as an alternative to toilet paper?
rich people; while loading the hemp, wool and cloth trio as toilet paper, the poor He had to meet this need in much more primitive ways: by putting the toilet in a stream and cleaning it with water, tree leaves, seashells, and moss.
And also sailorswhile cleaning with the help of the ropes of the old ropes In regions close to the poles The people living in the city saw cleaning with snow as the only solution.
When did toilet paper become commercial?
We talked about the mass production of toilet paper in Zheijang in the 14th century; however, we would like to remind you that the production here is not done with a commercial concern. Commercialization of toilet paper, to 1857 is based. american inventor Joseph Gertytywith the idea of commercializing today’s toilet paper, which is available in 100’s in a single package. aloe vera when it is produced with aroma; The commercial adventure of toilet paper begins. Of course, the mind is superior to the mind. Exactly 10 years later, in 1867wholesaler Brothers Edward, Clarence, and Thomas; When we produce toilet papers not with aloe vera, but in the classical form we know; production cost is also reduced. This goes back to the brothers as earnings. As you can see, today’s classic toilet papers sold in rolls; We are indebted to the business acumen of these three brothers.