Hand-held fans began in China some 5,000 years ago. ... By the end of the 20th centurym hand-held fans were replaced by electric fans that were powered by machines or batteries as these did a much better job of cooking. In many countries today, the air conditioner has almost ended the need to use a fan.
――神田外語大学 英米語学科(2月6日実施)――2004年