History of the Typewriter

— 25 — moved across automatically for the next line. The type- form, however, was also necessarily given a like lateral, as well as a longitudinal motion, as all types are printed alike through a common centre, or common printing point, (through which they were also inked before striking), it being, therefore, also necessary that the entire surface of the type-form should be capable of reaching the common printing centre. This was accomplished, from left to right forward and backward, by two wedge-shaped frames, working also both laterally and longitudinally in connection with the type-levers, illustrated by the well-known process of ruling parallel lines with a triangle and straight edge ; the extent of motion either way was regulated by two series of teeth, or notches, the form moving only one notch at a time. In the illustration, the keyboard is seen at Yi, with type- levers running under plate, E, connecting with the type- form. These levers were each provided with small hooks (under plate E), and when a key was depressed the brake, ai, was drawn back, operating the rod, I, which was thus drawn forward. A is the framework of the machine, with b, b, b, b, the standards. To make the impression of a letter, the proper type had to be immediately over the hole of the inker before mentioned. This was accomplished by the combined action of the arm, k, the connecting rod, moving the type-form laterally and longitudinally, and of the two gauges regulating the extent of the action of the same, involving four distinct movements in various degrees and in combinations equal in number to the number of types. Next, the paper had to be in a proper position to receive the impress ; this was accomplished by one movement of the arm, W, acting on the ratchet-wheel, V, varying in degree according to the width of the type. At the same time that Foucauld’s machine was drawing attention, two other instruments were being exhibited. One of these, by Marchesi, has entirely disappeared, but another, by Hughes, was remarkably effective, and at the same time notable for its simplicity. It consisted of a table, carrying two short upright posts, across which what we may very well call the carriage-way-rod was placed. A circular disc, carried on suitable lugs, travelled across this way-rod. The disc carried on its underneath side the various letters which the machine was made to emboss, and might be revolved to right or left in order to bring the selected letter over the point of impression. A key, which fitted into a series of holes on the disc, was then