In the first year of Yuanxing [105 CE], he presented it to the throne. The Emperor praised his ability, and from that time on everyone adopted it; thus the world called it 'Marquis Cai's paper.'
自古書契多編以竹簡，其用縑帛者謂之為紙。縑貴而簡重，並不便於人。倫乃造意，用樹膚、麻頭及敝布、魚網以為紙。
Inventors
Cai Lun
Cai Lun (c. 63-121 CE) was a court eunuch of China's Eastern Han dynasty who perfected the manufacture of paper from bark, hemp waste, old rags, and fishnets, presenting his invention to Emperor He in 105 CE. Known as 'Marquis Cai's paper,' his product was lighter than bamboo strips and cheaper than silk, transforming how humanity records and transmits knowledge.
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Cai Lun's Other Quotes
In ancient times, writings were generally inscribed on bamboo strips; those using silk cloth were called 'paper.' Silk was expensive and bamboo heavy — neither was convenient. Cai Lun then conceived the idea of making paper from tree bark, hemp waste, old cloth, and fishnets.
No direct personal quotations by Cai Lun survive in the historical record.
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No direct personal quotations by Cai Lun survive in the historical record.
-- Cai Lun