Final answer:
A paper written by hand is known as a manuscript, which has its historical roots in hand-written and often intricately decorated documents made of paper, serving as important vessels for communication through the ages.
Step-by-step explanation:
A paper written by hand is known as a manuscript. The term manuscript comes from the Latin manus meaning 'hand' and scriptus meaning 'written'. In historical contexts, manuscripts were often elaborately decorated and produced by hand with great skill, often by scribes who worked to create a unified style throughout the document. In ancient times, the art of papermaking evolved from using materials like bamboo to more portable options like paper made from mulberry, bamboo, hemp, or rice, which was prized by calligraphers and artists. Manuscripts have been critical in the circulation of information throughout history and were commissioned by societal rulers who valued them greatly. Today, the legacy of manuscripts continues, although some have unfortunately been dismembered and lost to the international art market. The term 'thesis', on the other hand, refers to a claim or hypothesis used to answer research questions and is not synonymous with a hand-written paper.