Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-11-20
AN AMERICAN PRINTER IN CHINA.

In one of file of Chinese English papers which
We lately received we found a nvtivo uf an old
acquaintance, which, us well for its intrinsic interest
for the information of the friends of the worthy
American, here and elsewhere, we transfer to our
columns. Mr.. RICHARD Cole, the person referred to-
was some twenty years ago. compositor in the Office of
the National Integencer In 1910 he edited and pub
shed the National Patriot in Indiana in conjunction with
another worthy compostor from Office JOHN DOWNING
In ls4S he pulled up stakes and under the auspices
the Presbyterian Missionary Board sailed for China
where he still resides in the service present. however
Of the London Missionary Society engaged in his old
vocation, with the addition of making types as well
as setting them. Prom his energy and adventurous
spirit should have guessed Mr. Cole to be Yankee
but learn that he is native Of Pennsylvania With
this preface copy from the Rongkong " China Mail"
Of the 2Sd August the following extracts:
Mr. CoLKs CHINESE TYpEs-It is proper to state that
the writer Of the following letter is not in any way con-
nected with Mr. Cole the establishment which owes so
much to his skill and abors. Phaomahes has however
had opportunities Of observing both and if opinion
based practical knowledge Of such matters be of
any value have much pleasure in also testfying to
the merits Of Mr. Cole manifested in the work before
which value erciuspeiy successful attempt
at cutting and casting Chinese characters. y = y
We have specimens Of various works in the Chinese
character printed by Mr. Cole from the types cast by him
at the foundry attached to the Maacca College among
others, Cateeh,sm Christian Doctrines by the Rev
Mr.. Genahar; The kew Tsstomen by the Committee of
Delegates at Shanghae Erodus, Nth Notes by the Rev
Or. Dean, &c. all equally credtable to Mr. Cole
printer and typefounder He has already completed two
fonts Of large Chinese type and understand has made
considerable progress with Bourgeois font He is also
making attempt which promises prove successful at
Diamond ezended the difficulty Of which can only be
fully understood and appreciated by practical men,
To The Editor Of ne China Nail"
HoSGKose 2srH july, 1852.
Ny DEAR SIN: Herewith return your copy of Dr. Mon
crishs Complete Arithmetic" for the Chinese and, in giving
you my opinion OF the work, do under distinct
heads for think the typography and getting Of the book
% much superior TO thing Of the kind have yet
10 deserve separate notice, and praise than well
know how to express This we told In the English pre-
face due to Mr. Cole the superintendent Of the London
Missions Printing Establishment and Ihsve had many OPP
porunes Of observing his unweared zeal and sssduy in
have much pleasure In being able TO notice il
publicly Any person all familiar with the details Of
Type Foundry win readily believe that the difficulty Of under
taking such establishment and carrying II successfully
out here have been great indeed and
sessd Of less than Mr. Cole might have been
excused for throwing despair As regards the
his abors the work review affords convincing proof
but In order fully appreciate their merit IL necessary
compare his types with others previously In USE those
employed by the mission press Nngpo and the Royal Lii
brary Paris may safely say indeed that for accuracy
beauty Of FORM and perfect proportion between the several
parts Of each character the type, nov produced at the London
Gated characters In the smallest font Of numerals very
maryes Of fine typccung and almost requre msgnifyng
lens be properly that IL perhaps be regretted
that such very small numerals made Of In the pre-
work. which, being intended for utility than show
should have had every precauon taken prevent any diff
Guilty in the reading Of the numbers difficulty which
scarcely be avoided now except good lights moro e
pecially with the numbers occurring Immediately
below each other II is be hoped that Mr. Cole win meet
with the full reward Justly due 10 his important services
services which, from their having been performed quietly and
unobusvey fora number Of years. very apt 70 be over
looked by those who merely look upon the finished sheet Of
etcpress without being OF the difficulties overcome In
the production Of work 80 perfect PHILosATHEs.