The punch, matrix and mould are old inventions, but they are still in use in all type-foundries. They have not been changed in any important feature since they were explicitly described and illustrated for the first time, by Joseph Moxon. As Moxon did not claim these implements as his own invention—as we find in the writings of the authors who preceded him notices of the art of cutting letters, and mention of tools "which they called matrices," and of "making types in brass" [matrices or moulds], we have some reason for the belief that there has never been any radical change in the processes of type-making.
Unfortunately, we have no minute description of the art of type-making as it was practised before Moxon. Those who were competent to describe the work, refrained from description, either because they thought that the subject was trivial or technical, or because they intended to conceal the process. The authors who did undertake to describe the art were incompetent; they did not thoroughly understand the subject, and have treated it slightingly and incorrectly. But we are not entirely in the dark.
Our most authentic information is contained in a queer little book by Jost Amman, which is known to modern book-collectors as The Book of Trades,[1] and which was published at Frankfort-on-the-Main, in the year 1564. The title of the book, with text in German, describes it as Hans Sachs' Correct Description of all Arts, Ranks and Trades, with printed illus-
- ↑ The Book of Trades was popular. Two editions in Latin verse were published, one in 1568, and another in 1574, with descriptions by Hartmann Schopper. Chatto says:
This is, perhaps, the most curious and interesting series of cuts, exhibiting the various ranks and employments of men that ever was published Among the higher orders……are the Pope, Emperor, King, Princes, Nobles, Priests and Lawyers; while almost every branch of labor or trade then known in Germany, from agriculture to pin-making, has its representative. There are also not a few which it would be difficult to reduce to any distinct class, as they are neither trades nor honest professions. Of these heteroclytes is the Meretricum procurator, or, as Captain Dugald Dalgetty says, the captain of the queans. Jackson and Chatto, A Treatise on Wood Engraving, p.409.
Jost Amman was one of the many famous German designers on wood The publishers of Nuremberg and Frankfort esteemed his ability highly and gave him constant employment.
