Context: Paper armor originated in China as early as the 6th century, first improvised from books and later deliberately manufactured from folded or layered paper. It was widely used by regular armies, militias, bandits, and rebels due to its low cost and ease of production. Despite being lightweight, layered paper was sometimes combined with silk or soaked in water. It offered meaningful protection against blades and even some early firearms. Its effectiveness declined with the advent of modern breech-loading rifles, but it persisted into the 19th century in some regions.

    • Deceptichum@quokk.auOPM
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      2 days ago

      I’ll take reconstituted wood any day over nothing. Train wheels used to be made out paper.

        • fartographer@lemmy.world
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          2 days ago

          If you eat enough paper, you can get an impacted bowel and then have your insurance deal with the strangest claim after you get another impacted bowel from eating the statement they sent you regarding the previous hospitalization.

          • edgemaster72@lemmy.world
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            2 days ago

            “Under reason for visit, all you’ve put is ‘You’re not gonna believe this…’, I don’t think your insurance is going to cover this.”