History of the Typewriter

—229— The Continental possesses all the usual features of modern machines. The platen is free to reverse, carriage release and platen throw-outs being provided. The ribbon can be easily changed, and the general appearance of the instrument is altogether pleasing and attractive. It is a good manifolder, and cuts a very clear stencil. Discreet. This machine was a simple affair, having a wooden base, with supporting rails to grip the paper and support the printing mechanism, which travelled from side to side of the rail. The general appearance was not unlike the Dart Marking machine (which see), and there was an additional index plate swinging loosely over the principal plate. By arranging beforehand with a corre- spondent upon a code, this secondary index plate could be set to enable writing to be performed in cypher, but of course, the question of frequency, and combination, would readily permit an experienced cryptographer to solve any such writing. Edelmann. A German made type-wheel index machine. A movable carriage was mounted on a base-board, and a hinged post carried a type-wheel which revolved by the movement of a handle. It possessed no point of especial interest, although good writing could have been executed. Frister and Rossmann. A German edition of the old Caligraph, made under license from the parent company, but now discontinued. Graphic. This machine was on the plan of the Hall. There was a metal base, having at the rear two short posts carrying a backway rod. Supported on this rod is a top plate carrying the types and manipulated very similarly to the Hall. Examples are not uncommon in this country, Fig. 163.