which came first: the staple or the stapler?

Answer 1

They were conceived at the same time.

Answer 2

According to Wikipedia the staple was first, by some 2500 years.

"Historians know that during the 1700s a stapler machine or fastener was made for the exclusive use of King Louis XV of France. Each staple was handmade and inscribed with the royal court's insignia."

"How it all began", Swingline : http://www.swingline.com/support/history.aspx

"Brass paper fasteners were introduced in the mid-1860s, and by 1866 George W. McGill had developed a machine to insert these fasteners into papers."

"1860s ~ Brass Paper Fasteners: Metal paper fasteners similar to the brass ones in the photograph to the right were patented as early as 1866 by George W. McGill. "Brass paper fasteners, 25 cts. per box" are listed among the purchases for members of the 1869 Illinois Constitutional Convention. In 1867, McGill patented a press designed to punch holes in paper so that fasteners of this type could be inserted by hand."

"1870s ~ Individual Preformed Staples: The first desktop machine designed to fasten papers by inserting and clinching metallic staples was patented in 1877 (US. Patent No. 195,603)."

"Antique Staplers & Other Paper Fasteners", EarlyOfficeMuseum.com : http://www.officemuseum.com/staplers.htm

"On August 7, 1866, the Novelty Paper Fastener was patented by the Patent Novelty Mfg Co. It allowed a single staple to be loaded and was used to mainly bind papers or books, but also carpet, furniture or boxes. Staples for the fastener were manufactured by the P.N. Mfg Co. in several sizes: 3/16 inches, 1/4 inches, 3/8 inches, and 1/2 inches."

"On July 24, 1866, George W. McGill was awarded U.S. Patent No. 56,587 for a small, bendable brass paper fastener, the precursor to the modern staple. On August 13, 1867, he received U.S. Patent No. 67,665 for a press to insert the fastener into paper."

"Stapler : Precursors to the modern stapler" : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stapler#Precursors_to_the_modern_stapler

"However, the staple in ancient times had different functions. They were used in masonry works, in which it was invented in ancient Iran in 6th century BCE during the reign of Cyrus the Great. These staple which is known as the "swallowtail staples", were used for tightening the stones together. Iranian architecture created this device for the construction of Pasargadae."

"Staple " : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staple_%28fastener%29

Answer 3

I think the staple is came first...then people inovate the stapler for safety purpose.......

Answer 4

Since one isnt really useful without the other, I imagine that they came simultaneously. Pax - C

Answer 5

I can't see how one could have been any good without the other. I assume they were invented at the same time.

Answer 6

Same time, I would imagine.

Answer 7

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Rice, potatoes, etc....staples came first.
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