THE ORIGIN OF THE ENVELOPE
Back in 1820 the average person in England wrote only three letters a year--and with good reason. Letters in those days were mailed without a cover and could be read by anyone.
But William Mulready had an idea to ensure privacy—the envelope. It was an idea he stole from the French. On a visit to France Mulready noticed that important messages were completely enclosed in a little paper case, making them impervious to the peering
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