Unearthed objects proved that as early as the beginning of the Western Han Dynasty, paper was already in use. During the reign of Emperor Hedi (©M«Ò) of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Cai Lun (½²Û) improved on the paper making techniques and extended the range of raw materials for producing good quality paper. In those days, bark, old fishing net and linen are often used to make paper.
By the forth century, paper had replaced bamboo slips and became the major material for writing. At the same time, the paper-making technology was diffused from China to other parts of the world. This led to rapid dissemination of culture among different countries.
Moreover, the social and cultural progress provided the ideal social
conditions for the invention of printing.