In his shop in Germany, Johann Gutenberg was at the cutting edge of 15th-century information technology. Using separately cast, movable type for the first time, he published about 200 Bibles in the 1450s, revolutionizing the printing process as well as Western civilization.
If only he could see what technicians at the University of Texas are up to now.
Using cutting-edge computer-imaging technology, the university last Wednesday began digitizing its copy of the Gutenberg Bible, a copy that scholars consider one of the most interesting of the 48 Gutenberg Bibles known to exist.
It is believed to have been in use for nearly 300 years, longer than any of the other surviving copies. Within a few months, it will be available for inspection by anyone with an Internet connection, said Richard Oram, chief librarian at the university's Harry Ransom Center.