Printing Press (Movable Type, 1040 CE)

Printing Press (Movable Type, 1040 CE) revolutionized information replication: Bi Sheng's fired clay block system, invented in the Song dynasty, allowed printers to compose text 40% faster than hand-copying, enabling the mass production of books. Evidence shows that Song dynasty printers could produce up to 500 copies of a single text per day, democratizing access to knowledge and fueling a cultural renaissance.