Celluloid was the first synthetic plastic material. In 1856 it
was synthesized by British Chemist Alexander Parkes (1831-1890). John Wesley
Hyatt (1837-1920) of Starkey New York developed it as a commercial product in
1869. Celluloid is produced from a mixture of cellulose nitrate and camphor. It
is a strong, durable product which can be produced in many colors. It was even
an expensive substitue for ivory. Common products made from celluloid include
combs, brushes, dentures, billiard balls, photographic film and, yes, scales
for figural corkscrews!
