History of the Typewriter

— 131 — back of the machine, passing through two roller upwards, under a scale. The scale is held down by springs, and whilst affording all the assistance sought from similar devices (although a scale is hardly necessary on the Empire) serves also to keep the paper in its place. In using the shift-key, it will be observed that it is divided into two portions. That nearest the operator is for capitals, the further side being for figures. On touching the capital shift the roller is carried downward one step, just sufficient to bring it under the capital letters. The same key, when pressed on the outer side, causes the carriage to sink two steps. The shift-key is one of the most ingenious and simple pieces of mechanism possible, and should be specially noted when examining the Empire. The ribbons are mounted on spools at the side of the machine, and are readily interchangeable. The ribbon itself is rather wide, when exhausted at one edge by the greater use of small letters may be turned over and used again. It is reversed in half a second by merely sliding the knob on the circular disc in the top-plate half way round. The margins are easily adjustable, both for left and right hand sides, and the bell and other similar points are fully equal to all demands. The platen revolves in either direction, and permits of the writing being executed on ruled lines, etc. The Empire is undoubtedly a good manifolder, and turns out some admirable stencils. Another very commendable point in the Empire type- writer is this: It is an exceedingly pleasant machine to work with. The fact that there is very little bright metal to come between the operator and the limit of his vision, is very soothing to the eye. It is a feature which will especially commend itself to those who have sat, under a blazing sun, operating for hours at a stretch, a machine ornamented with a lot of polished nickel work. Type- writing is not, of itself, injurious to the eyes, as is often alleged, but it is the shining plated metal-work so often met with, and which makes a machine so very attractive to the unwary, that is to be avoided if eyes are regarded as valuable assets.