History of the Typewriter

—272— Fig. 197. of mechanical writing, its distinguishing characteristics being a vertically arranged horizontal revolving platen, in connection with a horizontally disposed keyboard. By reason of this device this machine is peculiarly adapted for commercial work, involving long columns of figures, while at the same time it is equally as serviceable for correspondence, and the making of copies, as are the machines in ordinary use, employing horizontally arranged platens. As shown in the accompanying illustration, the Hanson- Lee machine is provided with a pair of vertical guide-posts, grooved for the reception of a vertically movable platen- supporting slide, the said platen being automatically revolved by the depression of the type-levers, and of a proper diameter to permit the sheet of paper to be wrapped around it, and held by a series of open annular spring bands. Besides the usual type-key, shift, and spacer-bar levers, there is a line key with connecting mechanism, so that the platen can be elevated the space of either a single or a double line, as desired ; and a margin-regulating mechanism and key, so that, at the end of a line (or sooner if desired) by touching this last-named key, the platen will whirl around and stop at the predetermined distance