Linoleum is a type of flooring material made from natural materials such as linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour and pigments. It was first invented in 1864 by Frederick Walton, an English chemist who mixed these ingredients together to create a durable and waterproof surface that could be used for flooring or wall coverings. The name "linoleum" is derived from the Latin words "lino", meaning flax, and "leumen", meaning covered. It was originally marketed as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wooden floorboards because it was made from renewable resources and could be easily cleaned and maintained. Today, linoleum remains a popular choice for flooring due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and environmental friendliness.