and lines and divisions of lines for consonants. As a shorthand writer of thirty years experience, the Author found more difficulty in finding out the position and length of lines or curves than to guess the words in their non-vowel form. In rapid writing it is almost impossible to guide a pen or pencil so that it will distinctly mark vertical, oblique and horizontal half or full lines or curves. Yet, the reading, as every reporter knows, depends on the size and position. With the typewriter, there is no such difficulty. In most cases it is easier to read exercises in Stenotypy than sentences spelled in their full or othographic entirety. Stenotypy is a boon to all aspiring David Copperfields.
5. While the phonographic manuscript can be read only by the writer or reporter himself, Stenotypy, being based on the letters of the Alphabet (firmly attached to the machine,) can be read at any time by anyone who understands the language.
6. Whilst scarcely one out of a hundred ever acquires sufficient speed in phonography, the practice of Stenotypy is a pleasant exercise, easily learned, and great speed can be acquired by anyone of ordinary ability.
7. Frequently, the most learned persons are sorry penmen. In Stenotypy nervous and awkward persons are often the fastest typewriters. It may, at once, be understood that anyone who is expert at the typewriter, will have no difficulty whatever in becoming a speedy Stenotypist.
8. Stenotypy dispenses with the use of text and exercise books, and saves the time (averaging from six to twelve months) necessary to acquire proficiency in shorthand, besides the expenses of a teacher.
9. As no pen wielded by a human hand can compete in speed with an ordinary typewriter, for the same reason can no reporter or penman write as fast as a Stenotypist. Stenotypy is simply shorthand operated by a typewriter.
STENOTYPY AND THE PRINTING TELEGRAPH.
10. Of the numerous departments in which stenotypy can be utilized, perhaps, telegraphy is the most important. At present telegraph operators have adopted an abbreviated code for transmitting words. It is founded on phonetics, but is not governed by any rule. An illustration will best describe it. An operator in Washington, transmitting a special dispatch to an operator in New York, clicks off the following:—
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Desines r bg prepard at t buro o eng & ptg for new issue o 5 dol slvr ctfs t drwgs hvg bn furnished by Blashfield. On t face o these notes wl b sh intricate traceries & envgs as to deter t most drg fm even attmptg to counterfeit em, t pvailg tone bg slvr gra. The expert typewriter “receiver” turns out this translation of the jargon: |
Designs are being prepared at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for a new issue of $5 silver certificates. The drawings having been furnished by Blashfield. On the face of these notes will he such intricate traceries and engravings as to deter the most daring from even attempting to counterfeit them, the prevailing tone being a silver gray. |
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