Lithography is a method of printing originally based on the principle that oil and water do not mix. It was invented in 1796 by German author and actor Alois Senefelder as a cheap method of publishing theatrical works. Lithography can be used to print text or artwork onto paper or other suitable material. It originally used an image drawn with oil, fat, or wax onto the surface of a smooth, level lithographic limestone plate, treated with a mixture of acid and gum arabic. When the stone was subsequently moistened, the etched areas retained water; an oil-based ink could then be applied and would be repelled by the water, sticking only to the original drawing. This traditional technique is still used in some fine art printmaking applications.