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08731_Field_TCGG T496.txt
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1996-04-10
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in his History of Mechanical Inventions (p. 239) is masterly:
The entire achievement embodied in the printed
book with illustrations presents a striking example of the
multiplicity of individual acts of invention that are
requisite to bring about a new result. In its entirety, this
accomplishment involves: the invention of paper and of
inks made with an oil base; the development of engraving
on wood and. . . of wood blocks; the development of the
press and the special technique of press work involved in
printing.
The history of paper is in some ways a separate
subject, but it must be evident that the generalization of
printing could not have proceeded significantly with any
other basic medium. Parchment is difficult to handle,
costly, and narrowly limited in supply. Books would have