In 1862, Alexander Parkes developed Parkesine, an early form of thermoplastic that paved the way for modern plastics. This invention was significant for its versatility and potential applications in various industries, including electrical insulation. Parkesine's introduction marked the beginning of the synthetic materials revolution, influencing manufacturing processes and consumer products in the years to come.

Alexander Parkes' development of early thermoplastic in 1862 marked a significant technological advancement, influencing modernist poets like T.S. Eliot. Their works began to reflect the complexities of industrialization and the materiality of modern life, using innovative forms to mirror societal changes.