The Communication Revolution: Developments in Mass Publishing During the Nineteenth Century | Research & Encyclopedia Articles

The Communication Revolution: Developments in Mass Publishing During the Nineteenth Century

Overview

James Watt's invention of the steam engine in 1765 brought rapid and expansive changes to many areas of culture including transportation, manufacturing, and science. Another major change resulting from the advent of steam power was in the area of mass publishing, where it was incorporated into the three major areas of production—paper making, typesetting and casting, and printing.

Background

One of the major advances in the printing industry was the invention of a device to produce printing paper quickly and inexpensively. This contribution came from Nicholas Louis Robert, who patented his automated paper-making machine in 1799. Robert's persistent efforts resulted in a machine that could produce a continuous sheet or roll of paper. His employer, St. Leger Didot, brought the plans for the improved machine to his brother-in-law, Gamble, who acquired a new patent for it in 1801. During the first decade of the nineteenth century, two brothers, Henry and Sealy Fourdrinier enlisted the services of an engineer, Bryan Donkin, to improve upon the idea. It was Donkin who actually received the financial benefits of the patent they received for an improved paper-making machine in 1807.

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