We’ve added updates all around, including the addition of detailed environmental information, two new manufacturers (Marcal and SCA), and an “In the News” section highlighting some of our proudest moments with the Encyclopedia.

Take a look around and as always, if you have questions on anything you see or would like to see, please shoot us an email here.  In case its not obvious yet, we looove talking about toilet paper.  Thanks to everyone who has visited The Toilet Paper Encyclopedia over the years and has helped make it a huge success.  We couldn’t be prouder.

Keep on rolling!

• The first recorded use of toilet paper appears to have occurred in China around A.D. 851. After that, nothing much was written about the practice until the 14th century rolled around. During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) special sheets of toilet tissue were fashioned for the imperial court.

• While Chinese royalty was lucky, there were many alternative methods to using toilet paper which made themselves known around the world. Some favorites include: pages from books, newspapers, grass, hay, perfumed wool, saltwater soaked sponges, corn cobs, lace, leaves, and the frayed ends of old anchor cable.

• TP finally came on the scene in 1857, when Joseph Gayetty sold medicated paper packages. Though this didn’t quite catch on, it did set the stage for a company we now know and love: Scott. In 1890, Scott Co. came out with the first edition of household toilet paper, which has since developed into the soft sheets we now know today.

To learn more about the unique history of toilet paper, be sure to check out ToiletPaperWorld.com’s official Toilet Paper Encyclopedia.

]]> http://blog.toiletpaperworld.com/washington-post-shares-history-of-toilet-paper/feed/ 0 http://blog.toiletpaperworld.com/the-toilet-paper-encyclopedia/ http://blog.toiletpaperworld.com/the-toilet-paper-encyclopedia/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:57:10 +0000 Ken http://blog.toiletpaperworld.com/?p=127 When my father launched ToiletPaperWorld.com in 2001, a PR company suggested he write a short history of toilet paper as a marketing ploy….well, the King of Toilet Paper doesn’t take his top product lightly.

This short blurb turned into a much bigger deal. From history dating back to ancient China, to detailed descriptions and comparisons of the top toilet paper manufacturers, to funny stories about this bathroom supply, more and more information was added. Finally it grew so large, it needed to be hosted on it’s own separate website- hence the Toilet Paper Encyclopedia was born.

There is a TON of great information on this site. Whether you’re doing research for a project or just filling up some spare time in between trips to the throne, check it out. See something you think is interesting that’s not on the site or have questions about anything toilet paper? Shoot my dad, Kenn, an email here. He loves to talk about TP. You can only imagine what bring your dad to school day was like for me growing up….