Cannot open file (/home/.egar/acanthus/gomurray.com/blog/wp-content/backups/.htaccess)Cannot write to file (/home/.egar/acanthus/gomurray.com/blog/wp-content/backups/.htaccess) Dave W. Murray http://gomurray.com/blog Dave's Writing and History Blog Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:17:11 +0000 en hourly 1 History of the Toothbrush http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/history-of-the-toothbrush/ http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/history-of-the-toothbrush/#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 06:11:55 +0000 Dave http://gomurray.com/blog/?p=75 Dave CC-BY-NC-SA-3.0-US. View the original at http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/history-of-the-toothbrush/.

Archeologists have found that the Babylonians, Egyptians, and other ancient civilizations used a chewing stick as early as 3500 BCE. One end was chewed until frayed and then rubbed against the teeth. The opposite end was pointed for a pick to clean food from between the teeth. Toothsticks  have been included in burial artifacts in ancient Egyptian tombs for their owners to use in the afterlife. Ancient Greek and Roman literature mentions chewing on toothpicks to help clean the teeth and mouth.

We know from Chinese literature around 1600 BCE. that they used twigs from aromatic trees to clean and freshen the mouth. Almost 3,000 years later in 1498, the Chinese invented the first bristled toothbrush. Onto a bamboo or carved bone handle, they attached the bristles—stiff, coarse hairs—from the back of a hog’s neck.

Perhaps Marco Polo or a contemporary brought the bristled tooth brush from China to Europe, where it was modified, using softer horsehairs or feathers.

Around 1780, William Addis of England adapted the Chinese design and made the first real toothbrush. The bone for his handles came from cattle, had bored holes into it, and then wires tied the bristles in place. Since pigs living in colder climates produced more and coarser hairs, Addis imported his natural bristles from Siberia and northern China. His new toothbrush design rapidly gained popularity and use throughout Europe.

In 1844, Dr. Meyer L. Rhein patented the first 3-row toothbrush. His brushes, manufactured by hand, used serrated bristles with larger tufts. On Nov. 7, 1857, H. N. Wadsworth became the first American to patent ideas for the modern toothbrush. He also used bone for the handle and boar hair for the bristles.

In 1885, the Florence Manufacturing Company of Massachusetts, in association with Dr. Meyer L. Rhein, began mass producing the Pro-phy-lac-tic toothbrush. Although called prophylactic, these brushes were no more protective against disease than earlier ones because the bristles held germs, making them less sanitary. In addition, the bristles would fall out, which required buying a replacement brush.

In 1938, the DuPont de Nemours Company invented nylon. Doctor West’s Miracle Toothbrush became the first to use nylon bristles. These synthetic bristles stayed in place better and did not encourage bacterial growth, making them more hygienic and caused the discontinuation of natural bristles.

Until World War II, most Americans did not brush their teeth. The United States Army developed and enforced the habit of brushing the teeth. Soldiers returning home continued the practice of good oral hygiene, and encouraged families and friends to do likewise. Softer nylon bristles were made in the 1950s, and many people switched to them from the original, stiff nylon.

In 1880, the idea developed of powering a toothbrush with a tiny electric motor. It seemed reasonable that an electric toothbrush would simulate the action of a manual brush and would produce a better cleaning performance, but smaller motors had to be developed first. Switzerland developed the first efficient design for an electric toothbrush and produced it in 1939.

In 1955, Dr. Philippe G. Woog founded the Broxo Company and created the Broxodent, the world’s first automatic toothbrush. Squibb Pharmaceutical introduced the Broxodent in the U.S.

General Electric came out with a rechargeable cordless toothbrush in 1961. Marketed in 1987, Interplak was the first rotary action electrical toothbrush for home use.

Today, toothbrush handles are straight or angled, curved and contoured, with soft rubber grips to make them easier to hold and use. Toothbrush bristles, usually synthetic, range from very soft to harder. The brush heads are available in rectangular, oblong, oval, and round shapes and range in size from very small for young children to larger sizes appropriate for older children and adults.

I referred to these Websites while writing this article.

  1. Toothbrush Express.com
  2. “Everyday Mysteries”, Fun Facts from the Library of Congressl
  3. Oral B
  4. Colgate
  5. Broxodent history
    6. ]]> Dave CC-BY-NC-SA-3.0-US. View the original at http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/history-of-the-toothbrush/.

    Archeologists have found that the Babylonians, Egyptians, and other ancient civilizations used a chewing stick as early as 3500 BCE. One end was chewed until frayed and then rubbed against the teeth. The opposite end was pointed for a pick to clean food from between the teeth. Toothsticks  have been included in burial artifacts in ancient Egyptian tombs for their owners to use in the afterlife. Ancient Greek and Roman literature mentions chewing on toothpicks to help clean the teeth and mouth.

    We know from Chinese literature around 1600 BCE. that they used twigs from aromatic trees to clean and freshen the mouth. Almost 3,000 years later in 1498, the Chinese invented the first bristled toothbrush. Onto a bamboo or carved bone handle, they attached the bristles—stiff, coarse hairs—from the back of a hog’s neck.

    Perhaps Marco Polo or a contemporary brought the bristled tooth brush from China to Europe, where it was modified, using softer horsehairs or feathers.

    Around 1780, William Addis of England adapted the Chinese design and made the first real toothbrush. The bone for his handles came from cattle, had bored holes into it, and then wires tied the bristles in place. Since pigs living in colder climates produced more and coarser hairs, Addis imported his natural bristles from Siberia and northern China. His new toothbrush design rapidly gained popularity and use throughout Europe.

    In 1844, Dr. Meyer L. Rhein patented the first 3-row toothbrush. His brushes, manufactured by hand, used serrated bristles with larger tufts. On Nov. 7, 1857, H. N. Wadsworth became the first American to patent ideas for the modern toothbrush. He also used bone for the handle and boar hair for the bristles.

    In 1885, the Florence Manufacturing Company of Massachusetts, in association with Dr. Meyer L. Rhein, began mass producing the Pro-phy-lac-tic toothbrush. Although called prophylactic, these brushes were no more protective against disease than earlier ones because the bristles held germs, making them less sanitary. In addition, the bristles would fall out, which required buying a replacement brush.

    In 1938, the DuPont de Nemours Company invented nylon. Doctor West’s Miracle Toothbrush became the first to use nylon bristles. These synthetic bristles stayed in place better and did not encourage bacterial growth, making them more hygienic and caused the discontinuation of natural bristles.

    Until World War II, most Americans did not brush their teeth. The United States Army developed and enforced the habit of brushing the teeth. Soldiers returning home continued the practice of good oral hygiene, and encouraged families and friends to do likewise. Softer nylon bristles were made in the 1950s, and many people switched to them from the original, stiff nylon.

    In 1880, the idea developed of powering a toothbrush with a tiny electric motor. It seemed reasonable that an electric toothbrush would simulate the action of a manual brush and would produce a better cleaning performance, but smaller motors had to be developed first. Switzerland developed the first efficient design for an electric toothbrush and produced it in 1939.

    In 1955, Dr. Philippe G. Woog founded the Broxo Company and created the Broxodent, the world’s first automatic toothbrush. Squibb Pharmaceutical introduced the Broxodent in the U.S.

    General Electric came out with a rechargeable cordless toothbrush in 1961. Marketed in 1987, Interplak was the first rotary action electrical toothbrush for home use.

    Today, toothbrush handles are straight or angled, curved and contoured, with soft rubber grips to make them easier to hold and use. Toothbrush bristles, usually synthetic, range from very soft to harder. The brush heads are available in rectangular, oblong, oval, and round shapes and range in size from very small for young children to larger sizes appropriate for older children and adults.

    I referred to these Websites while writing this article.

    1. Toothbrush Express.com
    2. “Everyday Mysteries”, Fun Facts from the Library of Congressl
    3. Oral B
    4. Colgate
    5. Broxodent history
      6. ]]> http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/history-of-the-toothbrush/feed/ 0 California State Indian Museum, Sacramento, CA http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/california-state-indian-museum/ http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/california-state-indian-museum/#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 06:52:59 +0000 Dave http://gomurray.com/blog/?p=53 Dave CC-BY-NC-SA-3.0-US. View the original at http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/california-state-indian-museum/.

      The California State Indian Museum demonstrates some of the technology, art, and dance regalia of the state’s first inhabitants. The most recent estimate sets the California Indian population at 500,000 or more people before the arrival of the first Europeans. That makes it the area of greatest population anywhere on the continent north of the Valley of Mexico. Considering the size of the area, which was most of California, the cultures of the Native Californians were the most diverse in the Western hemisphere. Over 150 distinct tribal groups spoke at least sixty-four different languages.

      The State Indian Museum reveals the extent of California’s Indian cultures through their numerous artifacts, including basketry, beadwork, clothing, ceremonies, dances, and other traditions. Visitors are invited to make use of the two hands-on areas. Touch a deer antler, like those used to make awls and other tools, and feel pelts of animals used for clothing. Try grinding acorns (if available) into meal for food with the mortar and pestle, see a brush made from a soap root plant and used to to save every crumb that was scattered in the grinding process, and a work a pump drill, which was adapted from a Europen invention and used to drill holes in shell beads.

      Outside the museum building are many native plants used for food and in the manufacture of baskets. Ask at the reception desk and gift counter for a printed guide to the plant trail.

      Currently, many thousands of indigenous people seek to rediscover and continue their unique cultural heritage. They have donated many photographs of family and friends for display. For this reason and because the collection shows hundreds of sacred items, no photography is allowed in the museum.

      Location, Parking, and General Information

      The California State Indian Museum is located in the Mid-town area of Sacramento. The museum building is the single story white adobe building on K street between the intersections of 26th and 27th streets. The main entrance is on the side away from the street and near the pond. School group leaders should enter the museum through the main entrance, but students are to wait outside the K Street entrance and enter after the door is opened.

      Metered automobile parking for eight hours is available on 26th Street between L and K streets, and for four hours on K, 28th, and L streets around the Sutter’s Fort Park property. Bus parking is available to the east of the Indian Museum on K Street and in front of Sutter’s Fort on L Street.

      Address

      Add to address book.

      California State Indian Museum
      Address: 2618 K St., Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
      Phone: +1-916-324-0971
      Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=486
      Maps and Directions: Google · Live Search · MapQuest · Yahoo!

      Information

      • The Museum is open daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
      • The museum is ADA accessible.
      • No pets, food, beverages, candy, or chewing gum are allowed.
      • Photography is not allowed inside the museum building.
      • Restrooms and a drinking fountain are outside, but at the far end of the brown adobe building and beyond the pond.

      Admission

      Prices are subject to change.

      • Adults $2.00 (18 years and older)
      • Youth $1.00 (ages 6 to 17)
      • Children Free (5 and under)
      • Native American?-show your official I.D.

      California State Indian Museum Events and Dates

      Dates and events are subject to changes from year to year.

      March 2009
      3/14/2009, American Masterpieces: The Artistic Legacy of California Indian Basketry
      April 2009
      4/18/2009 to 4/19/2009, Indian Arts & Crafts Market
      June 2009
      6/6/2009, Gathering of Honored Elders
      September 2009
      9/25/2009, Native American Day
      October 2009
      10/17/2009, Acorn Day
      November 2009
      11/27/2009 to 11/28/2009, Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair

      Disclaimer

      Please visit the official website or call to confirm prices, dates, and other information. I try to keep the information current, but things change over time.

      ]]>       http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/california-state-indian-museum/feed/ 0 38.573252 -121.472089 Add this location to your Address Book       NaNoEdMo and NaBloPoMo are on! http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/nanoedmo-and-nablopomo-are-on/ http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/nanoedmo-and-nablopomo-are-on/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 04:24:56 +0000 Dave http://gomurray.com/blog/?p=16 Dave CC-BY-NC-SA-3.0-US. View the original at http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/nanoedmo-and-nablopomo-are-on/.

      NaNoEdMo is the acronym for National Novel Editing Month. Similarly, NaBloPoMo stands for National Blog Posting Month. Both are pattered after NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), which began in 1999 with only a few writers as an online activity. In the month of November, participants tried to meet the goal of writing a novel of 50,000 words. That is too short for most novels, so the authors were encouraged to finish their works during the following eleven months. NaNoWriMo has grown unbelievably. In 2007, two Novembers ago, over 100,000 people participated. More than 15,000 of them wrote over 50,000words by the midnight deadline. Other “Nanoes” have been formed to take care of the desire to expand NaNoWriMo’s success around the year, keeping writers happy and busy. The goal for NaNoEdMo is to edit for a total of 50 hours, NaBloPoMo is to make daily posts, both during the 31 days of March. I will be editing a novel and making daily posts on my blog.

      Title: NaNoEdMo is on!
      Link out: Click here
      Start Date: 2009-03-01
      Start Time: 0:00
      End Date: 2009-03-31
      End Time: 23:59

      Title: NaBlaPoMo is on!
      Link out: Click here
      Start Date: 2009-03-01
      Start Time: 0:00
      End Date: 2009-03-31
      End Time: 23:59

      ]]>       Dave CC-BY-NC-SA-3.0-US. View the original at http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/nanoedmo-and-nablopomo-are-on/.

      NaNoEdMo is the acronym for National Novel Editing Month. Similarly, NaBloPoMo stands for National Blog Posting Month. Both are pattered after NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), which began in 1999 with only a few writers as an online activity. In the month of November, participants tried to meet the goal of writing a novel of 50,000 words. That is too short for most novels, so the authors were encouraged to finish their works during the following eleven months. NaNoWriMo has grown unbelievably. In 2007, two Novembers ago, over 100,000 people participated. More than 15,000 of them wrote over 50,000words by the midnight deadline. Other “Nanoes” have been formed to take care of the desire to expand NaNoWriMo’s success around the year, keeping writers happy and busy. The goal for NaNoEdMo is to edit for a total of 50 hours, NaBloPoMo is to make daily posts, both during the 31 days of March. I will be editing a novel and making daily posts on my blog.

      Title: NaNoEdMo is on!
      Link out: Click here
      Start Date: 2009-03-01
      Start Time: 0:00
      End Date: 2009-03-31
      End Time: 23:59

      Title: NaBlaPoMo is on!
      Link out: Click here
      Start Date: 2009-03-01
      Start Time: 0:00
      End Date: 2009-03-31
      End Time: 23:59

      ]]>       http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/nanoedmo-and-nablopomo-are-on/feed/ 0       About Dave W. Murray’s Blog http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/about-dave-w-murray%e2%80%99s-blog/ http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/about-dave-w-murray%e2%80%99s-blog/#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:03:57 +0000 Dave http://gomurray.com/blog/?p=4 Dave CC-BY-NC-SA-3.0-US. View the original at http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/about-dave-w-murray%e2%80%99s-blog/.

      The idea of writing a blog came to me in late October 2008. I wanted to include many things that I am especially interested in, but it also had to be interesting to the people who read it. After a few months of preparation, I hope I’ve succeeded. If you find it interesting, please let me know. :-)

      ]]>       Dave CC-BY-NC-SA-3.0-US. View the original at http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/about-dave-w-murray%e2%80%99s-blog/.

      The idea of writing a blog came to me in late October 2008. I wanted to include many things that I am especially interested in, but it also had to be interesting to the people who read it. After a few months of preparation, I hope I’ve succeeded. If you find it interesting, please let me know. :-)

      ]]>       http://gomurray.com/blog/msg/about-dave-w-murray%e2%80%99s-blog/feed/ 0