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Originally a trademarked name for a hard and polishable plastic material made from albumen from blood or egg white mixed with hardwood sawdust and coloring. The mixture was steam-heated and poured into molds, where it cooled to form a hard, dense, glossy object. Patented by François Charles Lepage in France and England 1855-1856, the invention was later bought by A. Latry, a manufacturer of desk wares such as inkwells and decorative boxes.The material was also used for combs, pipe stems, inkwells, and plaques, and medallions for furniture.