"...graphite in pencils at the time was of a lesser quality than today, and was often mixed with clay as a binder. This often made the graphite particles separate and not adhere to the paper. Licking the tip would moisten the graphite and soften it, making it leave a more readable mark.
What was the relevant time frame for that remark?
You'd have a very hard time today finding a #2 writing pencil as good as a Koh I Noor 555 or Wallace Invader from the 1970s.
