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# Printing press

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The printing press is a mechanical device for producing many copies of a text on paper. German craftsman Johann Gutenberg is often credited with its invention in the 1450s, and he did make major contributions to the technology, but the press itself was previously known and used by European textile makers to print patterns on fabric. Gutenberg refined the technique by inventing an oil-based ink and [metal type]?, and by using "rag" paper? introduced into Europe from China by way of Muslims?. Before Gutenberg's press, the Chinese and Koreans produced printed texts (such as Buddhist? scriptures) from individually carved wooden or clay blocks, processes much more efficient than hand copying but not as efficient as Gutenberg's press. It is for this reason that mass production of printed works flourished after the invention of Gutenberg's press.

Books first produced in this period were collectively referred to as incunabula.

Inventions in this field after Gutenberg include:

- The steam-powered [rotary press]?
- The [offset printing press]?
- [Desktop publishing]?
- [Electronic publishing]? (on CD-ROM or online)

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Last edited July 31, 2001 6:13 pm (diff)
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