History of the Typewriter

—11 — million machines. Then there are other makers. The numbers of typists in America it is impossible to estimate, but it is fairly safe to declare that three, four, or probably five machines are to be found in America for every single specimen here. The capital involved in this mighty industry is pro- bably between eight and nine million dollars. From a Return issued by the Census Department at Washington comparing the years 1890 and 1900, it appears that capital increased enormously, the amount paid for labour has also increased, and the value of the output also. But there is this to note. The amount of capital required, and the amount of labour put into a machine, is far heavier now than was the case in 1890. The following diagram, from the Return in question, will make this quite clear : The literature of the typewriter bears an even ratio to its immensity in other respects. Catalogues, instruction books, propaganda and other incidental literature increases in volume year by year. The quality of this literature is generally of the highest class. The commonest little booklet is well printed, generally illustrated, and tastefully got up. There is nothing, there may be nothing cheap or nasty about the typewriter, or it will fail absolutely to effect the purpose for which it is prepared. The collection of typewriter literature bids fair to become a cult, and in the near future, the almost forgotten handbill of to-day will be as closely and eagerly sought for as a rare stamp is now.