Since ancient times, humans have been looking for a convenient writing instrument that would not require carrying an inkwell and that could be moved anywhere without getting dirty. The pencil consists of a graphite rod, which is usually coated with wood. The graphite is so soft that when rubbed against paper, it leaves tiny crumbs on it, and these form the lines drawn by the pencil. The pencil can be sharpened with a sharpener or knife. On March 30, 1858, a patent was registered for attaching an eraser to the end of the pencil.