Al: Linoleum was invented in 1860 by Frederick Walton of England. Now, he discovered that linseed oil, when left out in the open air, became kind of a rubbery-like substance, very suitable for floor coverings.
[Tim puts on a sleeping cap, takes out a candle and a hot drink]
Al: Now, because linseed oil is from the flax plant, Mr. Walton decided to call his product "linoleum."
[Tim blows his candle out and lays down on the work bench]
Al: From the Latin words linum for "flax," and oleum for "oil." He also went on to invent a straight-line inlay machine, so he was able to produce his linoleum in various patterns. Well! That's all for our history on linoleum, unless you'd have something you'd like to add... Tim? [Tim fusses in his sleep] All right! Well, please join us tomorrow when we're back here with the much-anticipated climax, "Floor Coverings of the Future," or: "The Vinyl Frontier."