Throughout or Each One Teach One presentations, we had the chance to learn about an array of technologies both new and old. I particularly enjoyed learning about the idea of paper as a technology from Casey Derrenbacher. When we think of technology, we often think of our laptops, cell phones, even security systems but never do we think of something as simple as a sheet of paper. Casey discussed how the invention of paper happened in 105 AD China.
They originally used bamboo strips and silk to trace but eventually moved on due to weight and cost of these items. Natural materials like tree bark, old rags, hemp waste and fishnets were all pounded down and mixed in water to be spread out and dried into paper. By the end of the Han Period paper quality had improved and was traded along the Silk Road.
It was the Europeans that invented the paper machine to optimize the paper making process. In 1799, Louis Robert created the first model known as the Fourdrinier Machine in France which was later patented in England by Henry and Sealy Fourdrinier. This spun the creation of paper mills.
Paper is still used to this day for many different reasons including writing, books, and packaging. Negatively however, paper is one of the largest contributors of solid waste and has led to mass amounts of deforestation.
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