Question

Patented by Englishman Frederick Walton in 1863, this material is made from cork, resin, gum, linseed oil, and pigments. What building material is this?

Answer

The material is linoleum (Latin for linseed oil). Walton drizzled linseed oil down a cotton scrim where it was allowed to oxidize. Six to ten weeks later it was chopped up and mixed with cork, resin, gum, and pigments. Finally, it was pressed and flattened onto burlap backing.