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GENERAL LESSONS ON THE TYPE-WRITER.(*

BY JOHN HARRISON.

(Continued from page 59).
LESSON I.

THE RATIONALE OF THE TYPE-WRITER.

Plate 1.

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There is a japanned iron frame enclosing and holding the working parts, consisting of a base, four upright posts and a top-plate. In the front of the machine are four banks of keys arranged in steps, like the keys of an organ.

Let him examine one key at a time, and clearly understand its function, and he will instantly grasp the general idea. Note that one key is devoted to each letter of the alphabet. (The figures and signs we shall notice afterwards.) Each key is at the end of a long, light wooden bar, called a "key-lever." Depress a key slowly, and it will be seen that the bar is hinged at the opposite end, and that as the key is pressed, a wire that is fastened to the middle of the key-lever (called a "connecting wire") is drawn downwards. The other end of this wire is attached to the end of one of the type-bars, which in its turn is drawn down at the end fastened to the wire and correspondingly raised at the other. Upon the end that is raised will be seen the metal type. These type-bars are arranged in the form of a circle, and their "type-ends" come up to a common centre when the keys are depressed.

A great step towards disabusing the mind of the pupil as * The "Manual of the Type-Writer" contains all these articles in book form. 135 pp. fc. 8vo., illustrated. Paper, Is., cloth, Is. 6d. London: Isaac Pitman & Sons, 1 Amen corner, Paternoster row.

to the apparent complexity will be made if he will notice that when a key is touched only one type-bar is set in motion; all the others remain stationary. If he understands this, and masters the action of one type-bar, he will then comprehend the whole of this section of the mechanical construction of the machine. It must also be clear city and complexity. The Type-writer is not complex, to him what we mean by the difference between multiplialthough it has so many parts, because the same parts are repeated over, and over again, the action being simplicity

itself.

The reader will observe that, no matter which key is depressed the types strike in identically the same spot. On the top of the Type-writer are two rollers. The larger one is covered with hardened india-rubber, the smaller is of wood. This smaller cylinder is known as the "feed-roll," because it feeds the paper to the other cylinder. Two elastic india rubber bands connect these cylinders, so that if one of them revolves the other must do so also.

Immediately behind the two cylinders is a sloping japanned iron shelf (F. Plate 1) which serves to keep the paper straight, and prevents it being injured by the mechanism. This is called the "paper-shelf."

In front of the four banks of keys there is a narrow strip of wood which is called the " space-bar." This is fastened at each end to wooden levers resembling the key-levers. It may be depressed at any point, but while it permits the carriage to move, it raises no type-bar, and therefore no impression is made upon the paper.

Take a sheet of paper eight inches wide, and, working entirely from the top, place the edge of it gently between the two rollers, so that each side of the paper comes directly over the elastic bands. These bands are for the purpose of guiding the paper round the cylinder. On turning the front roller the paper will be tightly held. The two cylinders revolve in a frame, called the "carriage," which is hinged at the back, and can be raised from the

66

front by the hand (94, Plate 1). By raising the carriage
and by turning the rubber cylinder towards
is made to move forward. In the middle is a small strip
the
you, paper
of metal attached to a rod in front, ending in a little
cylindrical wheel, called a "friction-roll," which nearly
touches the hard rubber cylinder. This is called the
envelope holder and paper guide," (68, Plate 1) and is
for the purpose of keeping the paper against the cylinder.
While the carriage is raised, continue turning the cylinder
with the fingers, and at the same time guide the paper
under the envelope holder.
holder has caught it, the paper is in position, and the
As soon as the envelope
carriage may be lowered.

Directly under the cylinder, when in position, is a ribbon prepared with a moist ink. This ribbon runs across the machine, and winds and unwinds on two spools or reels situated under the right and left of the top plate of the iron frame.

From the foregoing description we see that :

(1) The paper is held round the rubber cylinder.

(2) Immediately under the paper, while so held, is a ribbon charged with moist ink.

(3) Upon depressing a key a type-bar is raised, at the end of which is a type corresponding with the character on the key struck.

(4) All the types strike at exactly the same point.

(5) The type strikes against the inked ribbon, and this in turn, coming against the paper, which is held round the cylinder, makes an impression in ink on the paper.

Before passing on to further consider the mechanism, the student should fully understand the parts already described, and should be able to answer the following questions:

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Wednesday, September 28th, was, as every phonographer now knows, the day of the Phonographic Celebration. This event formed part of the Congress proceedings, but the intention was especially to commemorate the Jubilee of Mr Pitman's system. Those of us who were chiefly interested in Phonography might have asked for a longer period than a single day out of an entire week, but I am glad to remember that we were modest and reasonable in our requirements. There was not a subject discussed on the other days in which phonographers in common with all shorthand writers were not more or less interested; and it is therefore hardly fair to suggest, as some have done, that one day was phonographic and that the others were not. true that one day only was devoted exclusively to phonographic It is quite and phonetic matters; but whatever concerns the history of

shorthand, and its particular application to the varied purposes of life is as interesting to phonographers as it is to the writers of any other method. No other system had a special day devoted to it. Some of the less liberal-minded men of the older schools were not altogether pleased at the prominence given to Mr Pitman and his system throughout the Congress, but I believe that even among non-phonographers the general feeling was that the position was one that had been fairly earned, and ought therefore to be cordially recognised.

The arrangements for the Jubilee meetings naturally fell to the Jubilee Sub-committee. It was decided to hold three meet ings-a conference in the morning, another in the afternoon, and a public meeting in the evening, at which Mr Pitman's bust should be presented. We had hoped that Professor Max Müller might have been able and willing to preside at the first of the conferences when phonetic spelling was to be taken into consideration, but unfortunately the Professor was on the Continent at the time, and could not accept our invitation. From a very kind and sympathetic letter which I received from him I gathered that if he had had an earlier intimation he would have done his best to be among us, but his arrangements could not then be altered. We next applied to our good friend Dr Gladstone, who is both an old phonographer and an ardent spelling reformer, and he at once complied with our request. Lord Henry Bruce, one of the representatives of Mr Pitman's native county (Wilt shire), and also, I believe, a phonographer, was invited to preside over the afternoon conference, which was to be devoted to Phonography. He readily accepted the invitation, but was unfortunately unable to fulfil his engagement. With regard to the chairman for the evening meeting the committee was of opinion that unless we could get a person of very commanding position -say a prince of the blood-royal, or a prime minister, or a lord chancellor, or some such exalted functionary-I should be the fit person to fill the office. It was thought that my long connection with Phonography, my position as chairman of the general committee, and certain other considerations, designated me for the post. I could not say that there was no force in the suggestion, and though I certainly felt some scruples, I acquiesced in the committee's wishes.

The morning congress was well attended. It is unnecessary that I should describe the proceedings at any length, as a full report of them has been given in the Journal. Dr Gladstone, as chairman, delivered a short introductory speech, in which he obliged at some time or other to reform its spelling. He then showed that every nation, except perhaps the Chinese, has been referred to Mr Pitman's shorthand as giving an impetus to English spelling reform, and took occasion to say that he had himself learned the system forty years ago, and he did not know how he could get on without it. Appropriately enough Mr Isaac Pitman read the opening paper on " Spelling Reform, and how to get it." It was a short paper, but very much to the point. Mr Pitman referred to the labors of Caxton and his fel low-workers, and to the happy-go-lucky style of spelling which prevailed amongst these early printers, Caxton himself, for example, having no fewer than eight different ways of spelling "it." He then alluded to the labors of the early spelling reformers-Sir John Cheke, Sir Thomas Smith, Bullokar, and the rest. Referring to his own efforts in the same direction he quoted a recent utterance of the Globe to the effect that "Mr Pitman must by this time acknowledge that his efforts had failed." "No I don't," said Mr Pitman, adding with determined emphasis, "and I won't." He reminded his audience that there is another Globe besides the one in the Strand, that the English and American people occupy a conspicuous place upon it, and that if they have made up their minds to have spelling reform, even newspaper editors must submit. He then enumerated the five simple rules imported from America, and slightly improved upon, by which with a minimum of change in the spelling a maximum of improvement can be effected. As these are regularly illustrated in this Journal I need not repeat them. With a brief

statement of the later stages of a more complete spelling reform in which every sound in the language should have a separate symbol, he brought his paper to a close.

(To be continued.)

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The wind and the sun once came to high words as to which had the most strength. Just then by chance a man came by, so they let the point rest on this, that he who got this man's cape off first should win the day. The wind was the first to try, and he blew with all his might and main a fierce blast; but the man wrapt his cloak all the more close round him. Next came the sun, who broke out with his warm beams, and cast his bright rays on the man, till at length he grew faint with the heat, and was glad to part with his cape, which he flung to the ground. Kind means are best.

I was in this mortifying situation, when a brother clergyman, an old acquaintance, who had also business at the fair, came up, and shaking me by the hand, proposed adjourning to a public-house and taking a glass of whatever we could get. I readily closed with the offer, and entering an ale-house, we were shown into a little back

room where there was only a venerable old man, who sat wholly intent over a large book which he was reading. I never in my life saw a figure that preposessed me more favorably. His locks of silvergrey venerably shaded his temples, and his green old age seemed to be the result of health and benevolence. However, his presence did not interrupt our conversation; my friend and I discoursed on the various turns of fortune we had met: the Whistonian controversy; my last pamphlet; the Archdeacon's reply, and the hard measure that was dealt me. But our attention was in a short time taken off by the appearance of a youth, who entering the room, respectfully said something softly to the old stranger. "Make no apologies, my child," said the old man: "to do good is a duty we owe to all our fellow-creatures: take this, I wish it were more; but five pounds will relieve your distress, and you are welcome." The modest youth shed tears of gratitude, and yet his gratitude was scarcely equal to mine. I could have hugged the good old man in my arms, his benevolence pleased me so. He continued to read, and we resumed our conversation, until my companion, after some time, recollecting that he had business to transact in the fair, promised to be soon back; adding, that he always desired to have as much of Dr Prim

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rose's company as possible. The old gentleman, on hearing my name mentioned, seemed to look at me with attention for some time, and when my friend was gone, most respectfully demanded if I was any way related to the great Primrose, that courageous monogamist, who had been the great bulwark of the church. Never did my heart feel sincerer rapture than at that moment. "Sir," cried I, "the applause of so good a man, as I am sure you are, adds to that happiness in my breast which your benevolence has already excited. You behold before you, sir, that Dr Primrose, the monogamist, whom you have been pleased to call great. You here see that unfortunate divine, who has so long, and it would ill become me to say, successfully, fought against the deuterogamy of the age." -"Sir," cried the stranger, struck with awe, I fear I have been too familiar; but you'll forgive my curiosity, sir; I beg pardon."Sir," cried I, grasping his hand, " you are so far from displeasing me by your familiarity, that I must beg you'll accept my friendship, as you already have my esteem."-"Then with gratitude I accept the offer," cried he, squeezing me by the hand, "thou glorious pillar of unshaken orthodoxy; and do I behold- "I here interrupted what he was going to say; for though, as an author, I could digest no small share of flattery, yet now my modesty would

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permit no more. However, no lovers in romance ever cemented a more instantaneous friendship. We talked upon several subjects: at first, I thought he seemed rather devout than learned, and began to think he despised all human doctrines as dross. Yet this no way lessened him in my esteem; for I had for some time begun privately to harbor such an opinion myself. I therefore took occasion to observe, that the world in general began to be blamably indifferent as to doctrinal matters, and followed human speculation too much. 'Ay, sir," replied he-as if he had reserved all his learning to that moment-"Ay, sir, the world is in its dotage; and yet the cosmogony, or the creation of the world, has puzzled philosophers of all ages. What a medley of opinions have they not broached upon the creation of the world! Sanchoniathian, Manetho, Berosus, and Ocellus Lucanus have all attempted it in vain. The latter has these words: Anarchon ara kai atelutaion to pan, which imply, that all things have neither beginning nor end. Manetho, also, who lived about the time of Nebuchadon-Asser, Asser being a Syriac word usually applied as a surname to the kings of that country, as Teglat Phael-Asser, Nabon-Asser,-he, I say, formed a conjecture, equally absurd; for as we usually say, ek to biblion kubernetes, which implies

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that books will never teach the world; so he attempted to investigate. -But, sir, I ask pardon, I am straying from the question." That he actually was; nor could I for my life see how the creation of the world had anything to do with the business I was talking of; but it was sufficient to show me that he was a man of letters, and I now reverenced him the more. I was resolved, therefore, to bring him to the touch-stone; but he was too mild and too gentle to contend for victory. Whenever I made any observation that looked like a challenge to controversy, he would smile, shake his head, and say nothing; by which I understood he could say much if he thought proper. The subject therefore insensibly changed from the business of antiquity to that which brought us both to the fair; mine I told him was to sell a horse, and very luckily indeed, his was to buy one for one of his tenants. My horse was soon produced, and, in fine, we struck a bargain. Nothing now remained but to pay me, and he accordingly pulled out a thirty-pound note, and bid me change it. Not being in a capacity of complying with this demand, he ordered his footman to be called up, who made his appearance in a very genteel livery. "Here, Abraham," cried he, " go and get gold for this; you'll do it at neighbor Jackson's, or anywhere."

What has there been in the conduct of the French to foreign powers; what in the violation of solemn treaties; what in the plunder, devastation, and dismemberment of unoffending countries; what in the horrors and murders perpetrated upon the subdued victims of their rage in any district which they have overrun, worse than the conduct of those three great powers in the miserable, devoted, and trampled-on kingdom of Poland, and who have been, or are, our allies in this war for religion and social order, and the rights of nations? "Oh! but you regretted the partition of Poland!" Yes, regretted! you regretted the violence, and that is all you did. You united yourselves with the actors; you, in fact, by your acquiescence, confirmed the atrocity. But they are your allies; and though they overran and divided Poland, there was nothing, perhaps, in the manner of doing it which stamped it with peculiar infamy and disgrace. The hero of Poland perhaps, was merciful and mild! He was "as much superior to Bonaparte in bravery, and in the discipline which he maintained, as he was superior in virtue and humanity!' He was animated by the purest principles of Christianity, and was restrained in his career by the benevolent precepts which it inculcates. Was he? Let unfortunate Warsaw, and the miserable inhabitants of the suburb of Praga in particular, tell! What do we understand to have been the conduct of this magnanimous hero, with whom, it seems, Bonaparte is not to be compared? He entered the suburb of Praga, the most populous suburb of Warsaw; and there he let his soldiery loose on the miserable, unarmed, and unresisting people.

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