Final answer:
The screw mechanism in Gutenberg's printing press was used to apply even pressure for printing, revolutionizing book production and contributing to the wider dissemination of knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The screw mechanism on Gutenberg's printing press was pivotal in applying uniform pressure to the inked letter blocks when pressing them against paper. Johannes Gutenberg utilized this mechanism, inspired by existing technology such as wine and apple presses, to revolutionize the printing process.
Before Gutenberg, books were copied by hand, but with his introduction of movable type and the efficient application of pressure using the screw design, he enabled the mass production of printed materials. This not only increased the production rate of books but also contributed to a decline in illiteracy and the spread of knowledge.