The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-07-08
THE MACHINE TYpEsETrER-
A New Continuance Costing $500 Does
SIX Mems Work.

SIX Mems Work.
Minneapolis Tribune.
In little upstairs room at the corner of
University and Sixth avenues southeast
has been developed within the past year
what, in the opinion of experts. will prove
to be the invention OF the age.
The device, while in the line of the cleo
tro-matrix and type setting machine, is en-
tirely different from anything yetlnvented.
Roughly speaking, it IS a combination OF
the matrix and type-setting machines. 1t
is the invention of Frank A. Johnson, a
practical printer, and it has been perfected
by him until now, in the opinion of COM
petent workmen, it is a success. The in
vention is fully covered by patents both in
this country and atroad.
The details of the machine cannot be de-
scribsd, as only working model has yet
been constructed, and Mr.. johnson does
not wish to give away his secret until he is
positive of success.
The machine is operated by keyboard,
like typewriter, but it is also connected
with power, so that the impression on the
mairix is clear and distinct The device is
furnished with type of peculiar con-
struction. The operator sits down at the
perhaps:
When in the course of human events
If these words filled out a line. the mo-
ment the final s is set the whole line is
stamped upon the matrix. Line after line
is printed on the matrix in this way until
the column is full and the mold for the
stereotype plate is complete. In short. the
machine sets up line in type and then
stamps the line upon the mstrix.
The great advantage of this method is
that the line is perfect in spacing and other
particulars before it is stamped on the
matrix. In other matrix machines the
matrix is made letter by letter and the
spacing is matter of uncertainty.
The Johnson machine has an attachment
which is most wonderful device. A little
dial in front of the operator is divided into
the number of spaces in iine-say $50
and as the line is filed the index moves.
Each letter occupies ceriain number of
spaces, so that as the operator approaches
the end of line, he knows by glancing at
the dial and noting just how many spaces
are left whether or not he can get in the
whole of the next word, if it be a monosyl-
liable, or a syllable il it be longer. If the
remaining space is not sufficient to take in
the next word or syllable, the operator
touches button, and the words already
set are spaced out automatically TO fill the
line perfectly. Just how this is accom-
plished Mr.. Johnson is not ready to ex-
plain.
A stock company was formed some two
years ago for the perfecting of Mr.. John
sons idea, and they have been furnishing
the capital to develop the scheme. The
members of the company have great con-
fidence in the success of the scheme and
are very enthusiastic. Mr.. Johnson has
given several exhibitions to members of
the company with the greatest success.
1t is estimated that the machine will cost
about $50 and will do the work OF five or
six men. 1t is very compact. Any one
who can operate a typewriter can operate
the machine. 1t is used only for newspa-
per, book and magazine work.