It is interesting how all things in this world are connected. Johannes Gutenberg (~1395-1468), the inventor who is credited with creating the printing revolution, is said to have been living in Strasbourg when he came up with the idea for movable mechanical type. He had spent much of his youth there and in 1440 he is said to have perfected his method. Although Gutenberg was not financially successful, his invention played a key role in bring education to everyone and was instrumental in the development of the Renaissance and Scientific Revolution.
Without this vital means of being able to distribute information and knowledge easily and inexpensively, education would have remained available only to the upper class and religious orders. Without this invention, the world that we live in, and the education that I am undertaking as part of the scientific revolution, would still be lost in the dark ages. To celebrate the achievement of Gutenberg, the city has a square named for him and erected a statue in 1840. I have a connection with Gutenberg. I married one. The maiden name of my wife and editor, Robyn, was Gutenberg. From talking with her relatives she believes that the famous Gutenberg was a great great .... great uncle. I can now claim to be related to Johannes, however remotely.
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