Parkesine

In about 1855, scientists discovered that nitrocellulose formed a solid solution when combined with certain organic solvents. It was soon discovered that this material could be used for many other things besides gunpowder. Shortly, the first plastics in history and the birth of the plastics industry ensued. This nitrocellulose-based material was patented in 1862 by the Brit, one Alexander Parkes, and named Parkesine. It was also called synthetic ivory.