Blotting paper

Blotting paper is reputed to be first referred to in the English language in the 15th century but there is a tradition in Norfolk, England that it was invented by accident at Lyng Mill on the River Wensum.

Small squares of blotting paper attached to disposable plastic strips are impregnated with pH sensitive compounds usually extracted from lichens, especially Roccella tinctoria.

Drugs active in microgram range, most notably LSD, are commonly distributed illicitly on blotting paper.

The artwork is printed onto blotter paper and then sometimes perforated into tiny squares or "tabs" which can be torn or cut apart.

The papers are often dyed, for wider market appeal, and dusted with salicylic acid and minerals to actively prevent the formation of comedones and acne.

However, there is a popular debate of whether blotting papers can help reduce acne by absorbing excess oil, or cause it[citation needed].

During the Renaissance in Iceland, blotting paper had a small religious significance whereas it was used as a tool for ceremonial magic.

This becomes noticeable in the Galdrabók, a grimoire (magic spell book) of the time period in which the reader is directed to draw sigils on blotting paper to attain success.