Lack of technological progress in late Roman Empire

[Carlton Bach]

Next round. When were cross-bladed scissors, those with a joint, invented and how widespread were they vis-a-vis the type in the pic below?

These scissors did not gain widespread use in Europe until the 1600's.

That makes no sense at all. I work daily with samples of such scissors from norwegian viking urban 9th century contexts, and I've seen the type from digs as far back as pre-roman iron age gaul (La Téne culture). They are also depicted in tons and tons of later medieval illuminations. I don't really see how they can be considered not to have gained widespread use before the 17th century...

The thing in the picture is a very elaborate pair of shears. These are an extremely traditional design that goes back at least to pre-Roman times. If I understand correctly, the question asked refers to scissors proper, twin blades hinged at mid-point and operated by handles past the hinge point. These may also be an older design, but the earliest certain find I know of comes from Fatimid Egypt, 11th century. I can't comment on Isidore other than that I heard the quote interpreted both ways, but I wouldn't be surprised. There is plenty of stuff that we think of as medieval Western, Byzantine or Islamic that is actuallly Roman, but was not recognised as such until recently.

BTW, shears are in no way inferior to scoissors in performance. THe problem lies in the production process. Scissors are easier and cheaper to make, and lower maintenance.