Lewis Waterman

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Lewis Waterman (born 1837 in Decatur, New York) invented the capillary feed in fountain pens, that allows for even ink flow.

In 1883, Waterman was an insurance broker in New York City, getting ready to sign one of his hottest contracts. In honor of the occasion, he bought a new fountain pen that he considered much more stylish than the dip pen and ink well. To Waterman's frustration the pen broke and spilled ink all over the contract. Waterman then rushed back to his office to get another contract, but by the time he got back another broker had closed the deal.

After his humilating contract signing, Waterman then strived to make a fountain pens in his brother's work shop. He used the capillarity principle which allowed air to induce a steady and even flow of ink. Waterman got a patent for his new fountain pens in 1884.

Waterman began selling his fountain pens behind a cigar shop and gave his pens a five year guarantee. He then opened a factory in Montreal, Canada in 1899, where he offered a variety of designs.