STATIONERY  , a

term embracing all the various articles sold by " stationers," who were originally booksellers having " stations " or stands in markets, near churches or other buildings for the sale of their goods (see BOOKSELLING for the further history of the word) . The stationers were formed into a gild in 1403, the Livery Company not being incorporated till 1556 . At the hall of the company in London, " Stationers' Hall," is kept a book for the registration of copyrights (see COPYRIGHT) . The " Stationery Office " is a British government department which supplies stationery to parliament and the government offices and generally controls the printing required by them . Under the name of stationery are now included all writing materials and implements, together with the numerous appliances of the desk and of mercantile and commercial offices . The principal articles and operations of the stationery trade are dealt with under such headings as BOOKBINDING; COPYING MACHINES; INK; LITHOGRAPHY; PAPER; PEN; and PENCIL .