Why is the Pencil Named That Even Though It Doesn’t Have Lead?

The history of pencils, which were in our hands during our primary school years, actually goes back a long way. Pencils dating back to the 1500s It went through many stages and took its current form.

However, those pens we used never had lead in them. Something that doesn’t have lead in it Let’s clear up the question marks about why it is called lead.

Pencils are made from a mixture of graphite and clay.

Graphite, which is generally mined in Siberia, North America, Austria and Mexico, is processed and produced. It is converted into the substance used at the tip of the pencil.

The more graphite, a natural carbon, the darker the tip. Well, if pencils are made of this substance Why are pencils called lead?

The reason for the terminological inconsistency dates back to the 1500s.

Ancient Romans wrote and drew on papyrus scrolls with pieces of lead called “pencils”. In ancient Egypt, reeds of plants such as reeds, bamboo and papyrus were used. pouring liquid lead pen was being made.

A large graphite deposit was discovered in Cumbria, England, in the early 1500s. This bed was both the largest and the largest bed ever found. purest and strictest It contained graffiti.

In those days, pens were not like they are today. They were cutting blocks of graphite into sticks to use as pencils and whittling the ends with sharp tools. Since chemistry was not very advanced at that time, what they used was They thought it was a bullet.

Then pencils evolved.

In the late 1500s, the idea of ​​inserting graphite rods into wood glued together emerged. Thus, the pen could be used much more easily. In 1790, powder graffiti, mixed with clay and heated in the oven and it was discovered that its hardness could be changed.

In fact, although today’s machines are much more advanced, this is basically the way pens are made. powdered graphite The more clay added, the harder the pencil. It is possible. In short, the wonderful harmony of graphite and clay created hardness and blackness, creating today’s pencils, and its name dates back to the 1500s.

It was a hit because there was no bullet in it.

It was probably not known in ancient times, but lead poisoning potential there is. Swallowing even a small amount can cause poisoning. Therefore, it is quite logical that the pencils used by children today are not made of real lead.

Our other content that may interest you: