History of the Typewriter

— 163 — an ordinary electric light socket, and when switched on, is continually running, and has the tendency to revolve the shaft carrying the type-wheel, but is prevented from doing so by means of a dog or clutch. When a key is depressed (we use this word in this clause, but shall refer to it again later on), this clutch is released, the type-wheel revolves until it is stopped by means provided, and then goes forward and strikes the paper. The impact of type-wheel and paper complete, the wheel resumes its normal position, and the carriage moves. The great error into which Fig. 127.—The Blick Electric. critics falljs in assuming that the type-wheel is revolved by making^an electric contact,_and in the further assump- tion that a point of contact must exist for every type or lever, whereas, in theory and in fact, there is no contact at all, the practical effect being that the striking of a key breaks a contact, and permits the wheel to revolve. The illustration will show just what the electric machine is like. From this it will be seen that there is no change of a radical nature about it. Everything is in its usual posi- tion, and as the Electric has the Universal or Standard key-board, the operator of any other machine can turn immediately to it. It is in the details that the great ad- vantages are to be found.