- 4000 BC: Clay tablets are etched with metal or bone tools
- 3000 BC: Egyptians use reed pens on papyrus
- 1300 BC: In Rome metal styluses are used to write on thin sheets of wax
- 600-1800 AD: Europeans use quill pens
- 1790: Pencils are invented in both Australia and France
- 1800-1850: Dip pen nibs are made of steel and tipped with Iridium, Rhodium and Osmium
- 1884: Waterman invents the fountain pen
- 1888-1916: Ball point pens are invented
- 1940: Ball points become popular with the British military during WWII.
- 1945: Ball point pens are introduced to the US market
- 1960s: Felt tip pens invented
- 1980s-90s: Roller ball pens invented
- 2000s: Fountain pen revival!
Back in 1966-1968(when I used them)there were some pens, with sleeves, that used a “felt” or ceramic writing tip and an ink cartridge. They were either Parker or Sheaffer brands. I don’t know if they are made any more, or not.
Thank you, Rick M