William Purvis, an African-American Inventor
He Made an Indelible Impression
Did you know that on January 7, 1890 William Purvis received a patent for the fountain pen? That's right. He made it possible for you and I not to have to carry a feathered quill and ink bottle. And even though we are more advanced technologically, there's nothing like the feel of a good fountain pen in your hand.
According to the website www.blackinventor.com , "William Purvis realized how much of an inconvenience it was to have to carry around a bottle of ink whenever you needed to sign a contract or fill out legal papers. He therefore decided to do something about it".
Instead of a bottle of ink, an ink-filled reservoir was placed inside a casing that housed the main unit.
But William Purvis didn't stop there in his line of inventions. He also received several other patents that include bag machines, bag fastener, hand stamp, and an electric railway device. He is said to have invented the edge cutter found on aluminum foil and wax paper boxes.
Isn't it funny how things we often rely on are often taken for granted? William Purvis created things that make life a lot simpler and enjoyable.
Can you imagine using your foil or wax paper without that edge cutter? It's a convenience that we have come to use so often.
William Purvis may not be a household name but it doesn't lessen the contributions that he made. So in celebration of his invention, why not take that pen and write something noteworthy? Perhaps you've been delaying sending a long overdue letter to a loved one. Honestly now, when was the last time you've received something handwritten in pen and ink? It would be a refreshing change of pace.
Don't worry, you can always go back to your computer when you've done this simple task.
In the meantime, let's give a hand of applause to William Purvis. Thank you and write on!!
SOURCE:
Published by Lee Hansen
I am a woman who enjoys the simple things in life. My parents raised 10 children. I have an Associate Degree in Medical Office Assisting as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Education. View profile
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- William Purvis invented the fountain pen.
- He received a patent on January 7, 1890 for this invention.
- He is also believed to have invented the edge cutter on aluminum foil boxes.
18 Comments
Post a CommentWednesdays are now a one list my five list (http://www.listmyfive.com/bridgetidelaney) day (and it doesn't make much money, but I appreciate views of my lists if you have the time) and then returning comments day - I'll catch up one of these days, I just don't know when!
Very interesting!
Great article! I never realized who made the quill and ink bottle obsolete. I'm very thankful for his inventions :-)
Thank you William Purvis. =)
Well done and interesting.
Thank you William. I used to love writing with a fountain pen which encouraged superb penmanship. Now my handwriting is so much sloppier.
Who knew? I would have thought Bic invented the fountain pen. LOL Great article.
Wow, so many things we just take for granted are stuff we use every day. Great job, Lee!!
Thanks for sharing. It is interesting to know about inventors of stuff we never think about, but use often.
Good for William Purvis because I think I would have been a bit inconvenient to have to carry around a feather quill and ink in my purse. I have enough crap in there.