EOTO - Paper

I’ve never really considered paper a type of technology, so researching it was actually pretty interesting. The word paper derives from papyrus, a reedy plant that grows along the Nile River in Egypt. In ancient times, the fibrous layers in papyrus stems were removed and then crossed at right angles with another set of similarly arranged layers. After being dampened and pressed, the drying initiated the gluelike sap of papyrus to act as an adhesive. This process cemented the layers together, forming pieces of “paper.” Back then, papyrus was the most popular writing material, and many records still survive today. 

Papyrus on the Nile

Egyptian Papyrus

 

The invention of paper traces back to China in about 105 AD. By 751, it reached Central Asia and Baghdad by 793. The 14th century marks the paper mill's popularity, where they spread to several parts of Europe. Cai Lun is a Chinese court official, a eunuch, who is given credit for the invention of paper. In the fifth century, Chinese scholar Fan Ye credited Cai Lun for his discovery and creation of paper in his work, “The Book of the Later Han.” 

Cai Lun

Back then, pieces of bamboo or silk strips were utilized to trace writings and inscriptions. However, the heaviness of bamboo and the costliness of silk kept them from ever being used conveniently. Cai Lun began making paper from various natural materials such as tree bark, hemp waste, old rags, and fishnets. These ingredients were all pounded down to be mixed in water before spreading it flat to dry. There were many experiments with different fibers to make paper to find the cheapest mix of materials that produced the highest quality.

Papermaking Process Outlined by Cai Lun

Paper was soon taken beyond being just a technical invention through its successful innovation. The overall quality of paper significantly increased near the end of the Han period (206 BC-220 AD), spreading it quickly through the empire and soon traded to foreign states along the Silk Road. 

The Connectivity of the Silk Road

Once the creation of paper became more known, inventors from varying places worked to find an even faster and more reliable papermaking process. After many centuries, European technology advanced, and thus came the paper machine to optimize papermaking. The first model of it was known as the Fourdrinier Machine, invented in France in 1799 by Louis Robert. Shortly after, advancements to the machine were made in England, where it was then patented by Henry and Sealy Fourdrinier (hence the name Fourdrinier Machine). The Fourdrinier Machines were soon placed in the paper mills, which are factories dedicated only for the production of paper and paper-related products. 

The Fourdrinier Machine

There are some negative effects of paper, specifically environmental ones. These include deforestation and the vast amounts of energy used to produce paper. In 2018, the largest component of municipal solid waste (MSW) was paper and cardboard. The total amount of these materials combusted was over 4 million tons, making it 12.2% of all MSW that year. Paper cuts are also considered a negative effect of paper creation in my book.

Global Paper & Cardboard Production Volumes 2008-2018

Paper evidently continues to be a vast part of society as it drastically changed the world way back then. Having decent paper helped make books cheaper and convenient, which enhanced literature and literacy. From there, the value of paper has only grown. It’s involved/used for printing, packaging, writing, decorating, books, toilet paper, currency, and more through industrial and construction processes. Paper has proven itself as extremely versatile and provides many uses to everyone around the world.