The Origin of Block Printing is an academic paper. It was first published in China Printing (No.2, 1996) and then reprinted in Xinhua Digest (No.7, 1996). This paper discusses the origin of block printing. The full text is divided into six parts, namely, questions; Misunderstanding in the discussion of the origin of printing: seal-the earliest attempt to copy words mechanically; Ink extension-the method of gestating block printing: paper-the material condition of printing invention; Yu Lun et al.

The first part clearly points out that the main reason why the invention date of printing is unclear lies in the lack of understanding of the fundamental question "what is printing". In addition, it is obviously difficult to define "printing", even if it is a correct definition, it is not broad. Some affirmations are given to some formulas. In this part, the author looks at "the origin of block printing" from the height of existing research results, and the starting point is new.

The second part expounds the misunderstanding in the discussion on the origin of printing. One of the misunderstandings is that in ancient times, almost all of them discussed the issue of printing books; In modern times, the origin of printing was confused with the beginning of printing books; At the same time, it is acknowledged that some authors have realized that printing is a gradual process from printing to printing books.

The third part expounds that seal script is the earliest attempt to copy characters mechanically. On the basis of summarizing the history of seal development, it is pointed out that seal is the embryonic form of block printing. Block printing is an extension of seal.

The fourth part expounds the combination of paper-ink rubbing technology and reflective engraving art, which gives birth to the method of engraving printing. The opposite of the tomb is the direct and positive inspiration of the invention of block printing.

The fifth part expounds that the invention and improvement of papermaking is a necessary condition for the invention of printing, and the invention of printing depends on the perfection of tissue paper making technology.

The sixth part is the conclusion. Clearly talked about the differences of opinion, mainly from the standard of metrology printing is not uniform; It is clearly pointed out that the invention theory in the early Tang dynasty is not credible; Finally, the ideas and methods for further research in the future are put forward: we should not stick to the physical objects of block printing, nor to the words in the literature, but should seek the inevitability of historical development.

Features of the article:

The style of the full text is rigorous and exemplary, and the citation analysis is quite convincing.