Interesting Facts – History of the Stapler

I’ve always found it interesting that we use certain devices daily, yet know hardly anything about it’s history. Well, here’s some interesting information about the history of the stapler.

The earliest records involving staples were attributed to King Louis XV of France during the 18th century. Although there aren’t records specifically regarding a stapler device, this was the first recorded use of a staple. Each staple for King Louis XV bore the inscription of the royal court as required by the King.

As the use of paper expanded in the 19th century, it lead to a need for some sort of paper fastening device. The first documented record of a paper fastening device occurred in 1841, when inventor Samuel Slocum applied for a patent on a device that stuck pins into paper in order to fasten them together. Historians argue about giving Slocum credit for the modern day staple as his device was really designed to fasten large quantities of papers together in more of a commercial intent as Slocum made his living selling the pins that fit into the device.

Most historians credit American, George McGill, as the father of the modern day staple. In 1866, McGill applied for and received a U.S. patent for a flexible brass paper fastener. In 1867, McGill applied for and received his second patent for a special press that inserted the fastener into paper.

European historians argue that that first true staple and stapler was designed and patented in England by British inventor C.H.Gould, although not a great deal is known about the device.

In 1877, American Henry R. Heyl filed a patent on the first device that would both insert and clinch a staple in one step. Based on this design, many consider him the true inventor of the stapler in the form that we know it today.

Pens and Personalities

Not exactly a novel by Jane Austen, this passage is about the instrument known as the pen. Often used to write, sometimes borrowed, frequently lost, sometimes pilfered:  The Pen.

It’s my long held opinion that every pen has a definite personality all its own. The way it writes, feels, and looks all contribute to that personality. Although it’s a very common everyday item, the pen is a very uncommon possession, because its personal to the writer.

The ink pen has always been an intimate item for the user. From ancient Egyptian Reed Pens to the first ball points of 1938, all the way to the felt tips of the 1960’s, users have developed their unwavering preferences for the writing implement they favor. Don’t believe me? Go “borrow” your office mate or a co-workers favorite pen without telling them, and let me know how that works out for you.

The funny thing about pens is people have real trouble articulating why they like them. Just ask any scribbler who has a favorite tool. They will tell you that the pen of their choice became the favorite because?

Although it’s simply my humble opinion and personal preference, I select a pen model as my favorite or one of my favorites based on factors like:

• The tactile feel of the pen in my hand. I’m a stickler for comfort so it absolutely has to be comfortable in my hand.
• The ink should never skip. I already have terrible handwriting so using a pen that skips just makes it even more unreadable.
• I prefer an even flow of ink letter to letter with some room for errors in the event I lift the pen off the paper.

From the inexpensive stic pen to the stately gold filled Cross professional pen, a pen should fit your needs and personality. Even in this e-mailing and texting culture, there is no written expression that conveys our humanity more than a hand written note or letter.

Whether it’s Medium, Bold, Fine or Extra Fine tips, the ink pen defines the message we are trying to convey. And the design of ink pens vary almost as much as the diverse messages for which they are intended.

So, if you are ready to begin your search for a pen that is right for you, Here is a good place to start.

Pets in the Workplace Reduce Stress?

One of our employee’s brought this interesting article to my attention as she’ s been asking to bring her new puppy by the office. The article was called “Study: Office Dogs Reduce Work-Related Stress” and it was published on Inc.com.

The article centered on a research study through the Virginia Commonwealth University showing that test employees who brought their dogs to work with them each day:

• Had lowered levels of stress throughout the day
• Reported higher levels of job satisfaction
• Had a more positive perception of their employer

The study was conducted at a company in Greensboro, NC (which is only about an hour down the road from our corporate office in Cary, NC), and involved the use of both surveys and chemical testing to establish a baseline and then monitor results.

However, the study wasn’t without some conflicting opinions, as some of the participants who didn’t have a dog to bring to work reported that the dogs provided more of a distraction than an increase in productivity. The study also opened the door for discussions about defining a “well-behaved” animal and how to deal with not so well behaved animals.

While I like animals as much or more than the next person, I don’t think Business-Supply.com is quite ready to consider pets in the office. So Becky, before you ask, the answer is no, you cannot bring your 3 dogs to work.