Printing Press

What was the printing press?

The printing press is a machine used to reproduce writing and images. It uses ink on paper to make many identical copies.

When was the printing press invented?

The first printing press was created around 1440, through early experiments in printing. A commercial machine was available by 1450.

Who invented the printing press?

Johannes Gutenberg, a German goldsmith, is usually credited as the inventor of the printing press.

What was the significance of the printing press?

New ideas and medical knowledge could be spread more quickly due to the invention of the printing press.

Why was the printing press important for medicine?

There were 4 main reasons why the printing press was important in medicine.

• ❖ Publishing lots of copies of a theory meant many people had the chance to understand a theory in detail, and either object to or agree with it.
• ❖ Medical students were able to use books and manuals to help them learn.
• ❖ Books no longer had to be copied out by hand in monasteries, or only produced in Latin. It meant scientists could share information easily with each other.
• ❖ Control over what was published, and therefore which ideas influenced society, was no longer in the hands of the Church. This meant that the influence of Galen's ideas was reduced.