Pencil
Pencil
A pencil is a writing instrument with a thin cylindrical graphite core encased in a protective wooden sheath. Pencils are used for writing or drawing and produce marks via physical abrasion.
History[edit | edit source]
The modern pencil was invented in 1795 by Nicholas-Jacques Conte, a scientist serving in the army of Napoleon Bonaparte. The pencil was a necessity of the time as the French Republic was in financial crisis and unable to import graphite sticks from Great Britain, the world's sole supplier.
Types of Pencils[edit | edit source]
There are several types of pencils including the standard graphite pencil, charcoal pencil, colored pencil, watercolor pencil, and grease pencil.
Graphite Pencils[edit | edit source]
Graphite pencils are the most common type of pencil. They are made of a mixture of clay and graphite and their darkness varies from light grey to black. Their composition allows for smooth writing and drawing.
Charcoal Pencils[edit | edit source]
Charcoal pencils are made of charcoal and provide richer blacks than graphite pencils, but they tend to smudge easily and are not erasable.
Colored Pencils[edit | edit source]
Colored pencils have a wax-based core with pigment and other fillers. Multiple colors are often blended together.
Watercolor Pencils[edit | edit source]
Watercolor pencils can be used dry like ordinary pencils, then moistened with a wet brush to achieve a watercolor effect.
Grease Pencils[edit | edit source]
Grease pencils have a softer, crayon-like waxy core that can leave marks on smooth surfaces such as glass or porcelain.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
- Pencils.com - A comprehensive resource about pencils
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
