History and Story Behind Inventions: Toilet Paper

About the story behind the invention of toilet paper, history and biography of inventor Joseph C. Gayetty.

INVENTION: Toilet Paper

INVENTOR: Joseph C. Gayetty, U.S.

YEAR: 1857

HOW INVENTED: According to Joseph N. Kane, Gayetty created an "unbleached pearlcolored pure manila hemp paper" and had his name "watermarked on each sheet."

It was marketed and advertised as "Gayetty's Medicated Paper--a perfectly pure article for the toilet and for the prevention of piles." This 1st toilet paper came in 500-sheet packages, selling for 50 cent.