Limits RegistryPUBLIC RECORD
Limits RegistryCai Lun, a court official of the Han Dynasty, is traditionally credited with inventing paper around 105 CE by refining a papermaking process using mulberry bark, hemp, and rags — though archaeological evidence suggests cruder forms of paper existed in China somewhat earlier, Cai Lun's process was the first practical enough for widespread writing use, eventually spreading along trade routes to the Middle East and Europe over the following centuries.
The question, scope, and sources behind this Registry record.
Cai Lun, a court official of the Han Dynasty, is traditionally credited with inventing paper around 105 CE by refining a papermaking process using mulberry bark, hemp, and rags — though archaeological evidence suggests cruder forms of paper existed in China somewhat earlier, Cai Lun's process was the first practical enough for widespread writing use, eventually spreading along trade routes to the Middle East and Europe over the following centuries.
The year traditionally credited for the invention of paper as a writing material, per Chinese historical records.
Change a parameter to stress-test whether a proposed result is still inside the published specification. This is an audit aid, not a proof checker.
This record has no editable parameters. Read the formal question and assumptions before challenging it.
Current frontiers derived from accepted Claims.
An observed or demonstrated result; no opposing bound is implied.
The frontier is not sacred
Most progress starts with a disagreement that survives contact with evidence. If you can push the known lower bound up or pull the upper bound down, show us the work.
≥ when you have shown that at least this value is achievable.≤ when you have shown that anything above this value is impossible.No vibes. State the value, define the scope, and link the paper, proof, code, or reproduction that lets another person check it. Editors review every challenge before the public record changes.
Challenge this recordAssertions tied to evidence, attribution, and review.
The frontier as it changed over time.
Only accepted Claims matching the current specification contribute to the displayed bounds. Strict inequalities remain open; contradictory Claims require editorial review.
Permanent ID limitsregistry.com/limits/LR-FIRST-PAPER-INVENTED
No active verified bounties are linked to this Limit.
View verified bounty tracker ↗No accepted machine-checked reproductions are recorded for this Limit.
Limits Registry. LR-FIRST-PAPER-INVENTED. Invention of paper. 2026.