The Princeton union., 1879-04-02

directions are formed by q combination OF
two of the fundamental directions. Inc
directions are down, left, right
and up. The effect of combination OF two
directions is fully defined by the well-known
philosophical laws of resultant forces, the
elements of all lines being the
components.
The instrument consists of four keys
closing four electric circuits. The keys are
opened by the rotation of toothed pinions,
and the pinions are rotated by toothed racks
having articulated rods attached.
The pencil socket is at the pune
ture of these rods. A movement of the
pencil in one direction will affect a
series of breaks in one circuit and not affect
the other three. The number of breaks is in
proportion to the length of the line. If the
pencil is moved in a curve it will result IN
series of breaks in two circuits, and the rela-
tive number of breaks will depend on the re-
lation between the two component directions
of the curved line. The receiving features
of the instrument are similar to the por-
tions just described, save that, instead of
rotating pinions breaking circuit, breaksin
the circuit are caused to rotate the pinions.
This is accomplished by means of four
electro magnets, whose armatures at each
break in the circuit rotate the pinion as far
as the pinion which broke the circuit rotated.
The instrument thus possesses vast execu-
tive powers. It analyses the writing as it is
produced; separates it from its component
clements; transmits one of these elements
over one circuit and another over another cir
cult at the same time; and as a receiver it re-
ceives separately the component elements of
lines, properly combines them, and delivers
them exactly as received. The author at the
sending end places his pencil at the top of
his sheet of paper; the weird pencil at the
receiving station takes it's position at a cor
responding spot upon its sheet of paper; the
author finishes line and retHrns to
commence a new one; the receiving pencil
returns to commence it's new line,
and when the sender finishes and
gives the final flourish to his signature, the
obedient receiving pencil passively does the
same, and waits for more influences from
abroad. When the sender lifts his pencil
from the paper, and returns to cross or
dot an i, the receiving pencil lifts, moves
nlysteriously through the air, crosses its t,
etc., and goes on as the sender does. '.
This lifting of the pencil is effected by
means which have not yet been described.
The pencil at the receiving Office stands nor
mally away from the paper, but is held down
to the paper by an tro-magnet as long as
fifth circuit is kept closed by the sender's
pencil being down. If the sender lifts his
pencil this circuit opens the electro magnet
loses it's force, and the receiving pencil lifts
from the paper only to return when the send
ing pencil does.
But single instrument is employed, it
being both a sender and receiver, and any
number of them may be placed in single
line. The normal condition of the instru-
ment is "out of action.'' The usual signals
are employed upon any one of the circuits,
and upon station being called, response
given, the sheet placed in position, the pen
ellis placed in unison, and, the receiving lever
turned, the pencil begins it's magic journey.