Definition of the word toilet paper

The origin of the term "toilet paper" can be traced back to the late 19th century. Prior to the introduction of toilet paper, people used various materials such as leaves, moss, and plain water to clean themselves after using the toilet. The concept of using paper to wipe oneself after defecating was first introduced by a company called "The Sanitary Protection Company" in the United States in the 1850s. However, their product, which was made of hemp, was too rough and abrasive for normal use. The modern concept of toilet paper as we know it today can be attributed to a businessman named Joseph Gary Cannon, who founded the "Canton Company" in 1871. In the early 1890s, his company introduced a two-ply toilet paper, which was much softer and gentler than its predecessor. This new product was a huge success, and soon, other companies began to follow suit. The term "toilet paper" first appeared in a 1883 trade publication called "The American Mercantile Review", which was a newsworthy item at the time as it marked a major shift in sanitation practices. The article, which discussed the use of "sanitary toilet wadding" (as it was known back then) noted that it was "a thoroughly clean and convenient substance" that would help "form a civilization habit among the people". Since then, toilet paper has become a staple household item in many parts of the world, with different countries having varying preferences in terms of thickness, texture, and pattern. It has also been the subject of many cultural and social debates, with some arguing that it's overly wasteful and encourages excessive toilet usage. Nonetheless, its convenience and practicality continue to make it a popular choice for many people today.