Introduction
In our increasingly digital world, it's easy to overlook the importance of paper. Many predict that we're heading towards a paperless society, with electronic documents and digital communication replacing traditional paper-based methods. However, Nicholas A. Basbanes' book "On Paper" challenges this notion, presenting a compelling case for why paper is here to stay.
This fascinating exploration of paper's history and its enduring significance takes readers on a journey through time, from its origins in ancient China to its vital role in modern society. Basbanes delves into the myriad uses of paper, its cultural impact, and the innovative ways it continues to be reinvented.
The Origins of Paper
Ancient Chinese Innovation
Paper, as we know it today, was developed in China around AD 105. Cai Lun, a court official during the reign of Emperor Ho Ti, is traditionally credited with its invention. However, some historians argue that paper's origins may date back even further. Fragments discovered in an ancient Chinese tomb in 1957 suggest that paper-like materials were in use as early as 140 BC.
What is Paper?
At its core, paper is a simple yet ingenious creation. It's made from a mixture of water and pulverized cellulose fibers, which are sieved and dried. The cellulose can come from various sources, including:
- Tree bark
- Old fishing nets
- Cloth
- Hemp rope
- Cooked straw
- Boiled banana peels
- Crushed walnut shells
The key to paper's structure lies in a process called hydrogen bonding, where cellulose fibers attach to each other through molecular cohesion. This is what distinguishes paper from its predecessor, papyrus, which is made from dried pieces of papyrus plant stalk.
Perfect Timing
Paper arrived in China at an opportune moment. Existing alternatives like silk and stone were either too expensive or too cumbersome for widespread use. Paper's affordability and versatility made it an ideal medium for writing, record-keeping, and various other applications.
The Spread of Paper
From China to Japan
As paper-making techniques spread, they reached Japan via two main routes:
- Westward through Central Asia along the Silk Road
- Eastward to Korea, and then on to Japan
Buddhist monks played a crucial role in this dissemination, carrying paper-making knowledge with them on their travels.
Japanese Innovation
Once paper became established in Japan in the seventeenth century, it took on a new life. Initially a luxury item reserved for nobility and the samurai elite, paper became more widespread in Japan than anywhere else in the world by the nineteenth century.
The Japanese found innovative uses for paper in various fields:
- Everyday items: Handkerchiefs, lanterns, dolls, fans, kites, and kimonos
- Architecture: Shoji screens made from ultra-thin layers of paper served as windows in traditional Japanese houses
- Warfare: Paper was even used to make armor and, during World War II, to create bomb-carrying balloons
The Muslim World and Europe
Paper continued its journey westward, reaching the Arab world about a century after the death of the prophet Muhammad. Initially used primarily for recording the Koran, paper soon became an integral part of Muslim life and administration.
The Ottoman Empire was the first major political entity to use paper extensively for bureaucratic purposes. They preferred it to parchment because ink permeates paper, making it more permanent and harder to alter – a crucial feature for recording tax information and other important data.
From the Muslim world, paper spread to Europe, and eventually to North America and Australia. European dominance in global paper production began with the introduction of printing presses in the 1450s.
Paper Currency
As paper manufacturing became more widespread, societies began to realize its potential as a medium for currency. The versatility, resilience, and anti-counterfeiting properties of paper made it an ideal material for money.
Crane and Company
In the United States, Crane and Company has been the exclusive producer of paper money for the Treasury Department since 1879. The company's success can be largely attributed to Zenas Marshall Crane, who in 1844 developed a unique anti-counterfeiting technique. He created a method of threading silk strands through the rag paper, with the number of threads corresponding to the bill's denomination.
Durability of American Currency
American banknotes are renowned for their durability, thanks to their composition of almost entirely rag paper. According to the Federal Reserve:
- A one-dollar bill has a life expectancy of 41 months
- It can be bent back and forth 8,000 times before tearing
This longevity far surpasses that of other currencies, such as the British five-pound note, which typically lasts less than twelve months.
The American Paper Revolution
From Rags to Wood
Initially, Americans preferred the European rag-based method for paper-making. However, a shortage of materials coincided with an explosion in paper demand, leading to creative solutions. At one point, entrepreneurs even imported linen wrappings from Egyptian mummies to meet the demand for rags!
The need for paper grew exponentially in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, driven by:
- The Revolutionary War and Civil War (paper was used for rifle cartridges)
- The proliferation of newspapers
- General increase in literacy and communication
Wood Pulp Revolution
As demand continued to outstrip supply, paper mills began experimenting with alternative materials like straw and vegetable matter. Eventually, they turned to wood, which was readily available in abundance.
Friedrich Gottlob Keller patented the first viable plan for mass-producing paper from wood pulp in 1845. The process was simple:
- Cut logs to equal lengths
- Remove the bark
- Grind the wood underwater
- Add more water to create a pulp
While this method was quick and easy, it produced lignin, a polymer that made the paper fragile and prone to yellowing. In 1882, chemists began developing processes to remove lignin and preserve longer fibers, leading to American dominance in the global paper market.
Paper in Personal Hygiene
One of the most overlooked yet essential uses of paper is in personal hygiene. The development of disposable paper products revolutionized sanitation and health practices.
Toilet Paper
Perhaps the most indispensable use of paper in modern life, toilet paper has become a necessity that few question. Its widespread adoption has significantly improved personal hygiene and sanitation.
Kimberly-Clark's Innovations
Kimberly-Clark, a company that began as a paper manufacturer for newspapers, became a pioneer in paper-based hygiene products. Key innovations include:
- Cellucotton: A new type of paper invented by chemist Ernst Mahler, used for surgical dressings and gas mask filters during World War I
- Kotex: Disposable sanitary pads made from Cellucotton, inspired by army nurses who had used the material during the war
- Kleenex: Facial tissues made from Cellucotton, initially marketed to the cosmetics industry as a makeup remover
- Pop-up tissue box: Developed in 1929, this design is still widely used today
These innovations transformed personal hygiene practices and created entirely new product categories.
Paper's Enduring Importance
Despite the rise of digital technology, paper remains crucial in many aspects of our lives.
Bureaucracy and Official Documents
Hard copies are still preferred for important documents such as:
- Birth certificates
- Deeds
- Passports
- Legal contracts
Paper documents are often seen as more reliable and secure than their digital counterparts, especially given the increasing threat of cybersecurity breaches.
Archival Purposes
Even in the digital age, paper plays a vital role in preserving information. For example, emails from the United States government are printed and archived in the National Archives to ensure long-term accessibility.
Cigarettes
One of the most significant factors ensuring paper's continued production is the cigarette industry. Paper cigarettes, which originated either in Spain or during the Crimean War, quickly spread worldwide due to their convenience and affordability.
The Value of Paper
While often considered disposable, paper can have significant value beyond its immediate use.
Collectibles
Some paper items become valuable collectibles over time:
- Historical archival documents
- Rare stamps (e.g., a stamp printed in Mauritius in 1847 sold for $4 million in 1993)
- Artists' notebooks
Influence on Creativity
Paper has played a crucial role in fostering creativity and innovation:
- Leonardo da Vinci's prolific output was made possible by the availability of paper for sketching ideas
- Architectural marvels like St. Paul's Cathedral in London likely couldn't have been achieved without detailed paper plans
Even in today's digital world, architects and engineers still rely on printed building plans for on-site reference.
Paper as Art
Beyond its practical applications, paper has become a medium for artistic expression in its own right.
Origami
The Japanese art of paper folding, origami, showcases paper's versatility and beauty. Using a single sheet of paper without cuts, tape, or glue, artists create intricate figures through careful folding and creasing.
Other Paper Arts
Paper's adaptability has led to various art forms and decorative items:
- Intricately crafted books
- Kites
- Lamps
- Fans
- Pop-up books
- Religious ornaments
Ongoing Innovation
The paper industry continues to innovate, finding new uses and improving existing products.
P. H. Glatfelter Inc.
This company exemplifies the ongoing innovation in paper production:
- Developing tea bags made from abaca, a plant fiber strong enough to withstand boiling water
- Producing specialized paper for playing cards
- Creating disposable soufflé cups for condiments
These innovations demonstrate that paper is not a static product but one that continues to evolve and adapt to new needs.
Paper in Times of Crisis
Despite our reliance on digital technology, paper often proves invaluable during emergencies. During the 9/11 attacks, for instance, when electronic communications failed, people turned to paper for vital information and communication.
The Future of Paper
While digital technology continues to advance rapidly, paper's unique properties ensure its continued relevance. Its tactile nature, reliability, and versatility make it irreplaceable in many contexts.
Coexistence with Digital Technology
Rather than being replaced by digital alternatives, paper is likely to coexist with and complement electronic media. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and together they provide a more comprehensive set of tools for communication, record-keeping, and creativity.
Environmental Considerations
As environmental concerns grow, the paper industry is adapting by:
- Increasing the use of recycled materials
- Developing more sustainable production methods
- Creating biodegradable alternatives to plastic products
These efforts ensure that paper remains a viable and responsible choice in an eco-conscious world.
Conclusion
Nicholas A. Basbanes' "On Paper" offers a compelling argument for the enduring significance of paper in our lives. From its humble beginnings in ancient China to its myriad uses in the modern world, paper has shaped human civilization in countless ways.
Key takeaways from the book include:
- Paper's versatility has allowed it to adapt to changing needs over millennia
- Its impact extends far beyond writing and printing, influencing architecture, art, hygiene, and more
- Despite digital advancements, paper remains crucial for official documents, creative processes, and emergency situations
- The paper industry continues to innovate, ensuring its relevance in the future
As we move further into the digital age, it's important to recognize the unique qualities that paper offers. Its tangibility, reliability, and adaptability make it an indispensable part of our world. Rather than becoming obsolete, paper is likely to evolve alongside digital technology, each complementing the other's strengths.
Basbanes' exploration of paper's history and significance reminds us to appreciate this often-overlooked material. From the books we read to the currency we use, from the art we create to the documents that shape our lives, paper continues to play a vital role in human civilization.
As we look to the future, it's clear that paper is not just a relic of the past but a dynamic and essential part of our present and future. Its story is far from over, and as long as human creativity and innovation persist, paper will continue to find new purposes and meanings in our ever-changing world.