Blog #5 EOTO Comm Tech Timeline

I have chosen to research the invention of paper for this assignment because of its significance in the development of communication technologies. Prior to the invention of paper, individuals communicated through pictures and symbols carved into tree bark, painted on cave walls, and marked on papyrus or clay tablets. Recording and reading information using these methods was time-consuming, impractical, and not easily accessible. 

Paper was invented as a much more efficient and convenient alternative to these writing surfaces. The creation of paper revolutionized the way information was recorded and shared, leading to the rapid transmission of knowledge and ideas about science, literature, and culture. An article released by the American Forest & Paper Association states that paper was first made in Le-Yang, China by Ts-ai Lun, a Chinese court official. According to History.com Cai Lun, a eunuch in China's Han Dynasty, is credited as the inventor of the first real high-quality writing paper.

Cai Lun created paper by crushing and combining tree bark, hemp, linen rags, and scraps from fishing nets and then treating the mixture with lye to break it down into finer fibers. Initially, paper was used for wrapping precious objects, but soon individuals embraced its abilities. The creation of paper paved the way for the creation of books, newspapers, and magazines, and helped create a business for this information.

Johannes Gutenberg's invention of the printing press in the 15th century helped to automate the book-printing process. The printing press "stole jobs" from dozens of trained artisans who painstakingly hand-copied and illuminated manuscripts. Printed materials became more accessible and affordable with the mass production of paper. By 1702, paper was cheap enough to be designed to be thrown away after only 24 hours of use with the Daily Courant, the world's first daily newspaper.

The accessibility of paper allowed individuals to share ideas with others on a global scale. The invention of paper changed the world in many different ways, from the way we communicate to the way we store and share information. Paper is often overlooked for how commonly it is used in everyday life. Printing is only the start of paper's uses. We use wrapping paper, parchment paper, sandpaper, paper napkins, and paper receipts. We decorate our homes with wallpaper, posters, and photographs, and use it to make boxes. In the kitchen, we filter tea and coffee through it and package milk and juice in it. The world's first toilet paper was produced by the British Perforated Paper Company in the 1870s.

In an article for BBC, paper is described as "The quintessential industrial product." Thousands of years after its invention, today, paper remains an essential aspect of communication and information storage. It continues to play a vital role in the publishing, education, and packaging industries. Despite the rise of digital communication, paper is still widely used and remains a sustainable resource when made from recycled materials. China continues to be a leading producer of paper, with many companies focused on creating high-quality paper from recycled materials.

The invention of paper was a significant milestone in human history. It paved the way for the democratization of knowledge and helped to revolutionize the way information was shared and recorded. The accessibility of paper has allowed for the rapid spread of information and has helped to shape the world we live in today. While digital communication has become increasingly prevalent, paper continues to be a vital resource, with sustainable production methods ensuring that it will remain an important aspect of human communication and information storage for years to come.