Final answer:
The Chinese invention of paper was crucial for the development of printing, as it provided an affordable and convenient medium for mass information dissemination, especially when combined with the technology of movable type printing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The invention that made the use of printing possible and useful in China was paper. It was a key development that aided in the creation and dissemination of printed materials like books and documents. The ancient Chinese invention of paper had a profound effect on the spread of knowledge and information. Chinese paper-making techniques influenced the production of less expensive books, which, combined with the movable type printing technology, revolutionized information spread during the Song Dynasty. In Europe, the availability of paper greatly facilitated the use of the printing press, such as the one invented by Johannes Gutenberg, furthering the accessibility and transmission of knowledge.