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The History of PaperPaper has a long and interesting history that many are unaware of. In fact, the word “paper” is actually derived from the word “papyrus”, which was the writing material used by the ancient Egyptians. Weaving fibers from papyrus plants created this first known version of paper and was done as early as 3000 BCE in not only Egypt, but in Greece and Rome as well.
Paper Evolves
Further to the north, papyrus was replaced by vellum or parchment. This early form of paper was created from processed calfskin or sheepskin and was a better choice in these regions because the papyrus plant required special subtropical conditions in order to grow. In China, bamboo was used as a form of paper, but it was difficult to move from place to place and was quite heavy. Therefore, silk was used as a substitute for those who could afford it.
Paper as We Know It
The first modern form of papermaking was documented in AD 105 when the Chinese court official, Cai Lun, described a method for papermaking utilizing wood pulp. The method for its making spread slowly, however, as the Chinese were reluctant to share their secret. Even after seeing the paper themselves, other cultures were unable to determine how it was done.
The Chinese finally shared their secret with Korea in 600. A Buddhist priest, Dam Jing, then took the secret to Japan in 610. Here, the fibers from the mulberry tree were used in its production. After the Chinese were defeated in the Battle of Talas, the secret was shared with the Middle East to India and finally to Italy in the 13th century. Here, linen rags and help were used for fiber.
Cultural Advancement
According to some historians, paper was key to the advancement of global culture. This is because the Chinese culture was less developed prior to the invention of paper, but became much more advanced afterward. Similarly, Europe advanced significantly during the Renaissance, largely because of the invention of the printing press.
Paper Becomes Common
Despite its importance, paper was largely a luxury item until the 19th century when the first steam-driven paper making machines were invented. These machines were cable of making wood pulp quickly and easily out of fibers. This invention, combined with the creation of mass produced pencils and fountain pens as well as the steam driven rotary printing press, made paper a far more common commodity. As a result, the economy and society in the 19th century boomed.
Prior to these inventions, newspapers and books were rare and were considered to be luxury items. Therefore, illiteracy was rampant. With less these inventions making it less costly to produce schoolbooks, writing paper, and newspaper, it became easier and less costly to obtain an education. In addition, journal writing and letter writing became much more common, which has allowed for historians to have a better record of historical events.
Unfortunately, some of these historical papers have not remained, however, because the original wood based paper contained more acid than modern paper. This gives it the tendency to disintegrate over time. For this reason, modern paper, particularly that used in books, is specifically made to be acid free.
Paper has had a major impact on the advancement of our society. Without it, the world as we know it would most likely not be advanced as it currently is and we would not have as well documented of a history to learn from.
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