Paper is the quintessential carrier of culture. Thanks to the invention of this practical writing material, much knowledge about the past has been preserved and transmitted to this day. The fascinating history of paper can be found in all cultures. Its origins lie in the Far East, where a first paper-like fibrous surface made from hemp was discovered even before the Christian era, marking the beginning of the exploration of this practical writing material. Although the Chinese tried to keep the knowledge of paper production a secret, paper eventually made its way to Korea, Japan, and through the Silk Road to the Arab world. In Europe, paper only made its appearance in the 15th century. The almost simultaneous invention of movable type printing caused a surge in paper demand, necessitating the development of new raw materials. By the end of the 18th century, Nicolas Robert...