HPS210H1 Lecture 6: HPS210 Lecture 6
7 Sep 2016
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At this time, europe slowly builds a knowledge network with the basics: arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, basic literature, theology, philosophy, and other less helpful things like medical astrology. It is this network that drives the demand for books. Books were made in monasteries, but from 1250 to 1500 there is enough demand for books to support a class of tradesmen: scribes, paper makers & book binders. Paper came in 1250 to europe, but before this, parchment was used (unfortunately). By the 13th century paper spreads across the continent slowly, and in the 16th century paper mills are fairly common. This is the boom time for europe, especially population wise. Advances in food production (watermill) meant less people were needed for such means, and more institutions of higher learning. 40-50% of population died within four years. This caused a labor shortage, and people became richer with land inheritance. Labor scarcity made the idea of finding labour-saving devices very attractive.
