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- Title
Technology: Earliest known non-lithic tool.
- Abstract
The article reports on the book "The Toothpick," by Henry Petroski that discusses the technical and cultural evolution of toothpick. It is expressed that the use of toothpick started two million years ago based on the hominid fossil teeth. It is noted that the first automatic toothpick-making machine was invented by Charles Forster in 1869 in New England. Furthermore, toothpicks are made of metal, wood, goose or porcupine pills, however, needle-like bones of a hare are recommended because they did not cause bad breath. It has been a victim of social censure and prescribed etiquette as presented by a Japanese lady grasping a toothpick with her fingers.
- Subjects
TOOTHPICK, The (Book); PETROSKI, Henry, 1942-2023; TOOTHPICKS; TECHNOLOGICAL revolution; TECHNOLOGICAL progress; FORSTER, Charles; SOCIAL evolution; INVENTIONS; ETIQUETTE
- Publication
Nature, 2007, Vol 450, Issue 7173, p1164
- ISSN
0028-0836
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1038/4501164a