1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Stationery

STATIONERY, a term embracing all the various articles sold by " stationers," who were originally booksellers having " stations " or stands in markets, near churches or other buildings for the sale of their goods (see Bookselling for the further history of the word). The stationers were formed into a gild in 1403, the Livery Company not being incorporated till 1556. At the hall of the company in London, “Stationers' Hall,” is kept a book for the registration of copyrights (see Copyright). The “Stationery Office” is a British government department which supplies stationery to parliament and the government offices and generally controls the printing required by them.

Under the name of stationery are now included all writing materials and implements, together with the numerous appliances of the desk and of mercantile and commercial offices.

The principal articles and operations of the stationery trade are dealt with under such headings as Bookbinding; Copying Machines; Ink; Lithography; Paper; Pen; and Pencil.