Letters
Posted by John W on April 21, 1998 at 00:54:35:
In response to Envelopes, written by Julieanne on April 20, 1998 at 18:03:22
When did envelopes come into general/accepted use?
The word was in use by 1714, but referred to the home-made variety. Because the post went by weight , people went to all extremes to cram in as much as possible--'crossing' for example, writing at right angles across the same page. When something was private, it was sent 'under cover'--in an envelope , hence first-day covers now. Die cutting to make commercial envelopes came in in the 1830's I think.
- Also turning the paper 180 o (=degrees) Ann2 05:32:46 4/23/98
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