IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO TACHYGRAPHICAL APPARATUS
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Harris Lake of the firm of Haseltine Lake
& Co Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO TACHYGRAPHICAL APPARATUS
A communication to him from abroad by Vicente Alonso de Celada, of Cadiz,
Snein
33
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Harris Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 31st July 1882.
:
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake and Co, Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, " IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO TACHY-
[A communication to him from abroad by Vicente Alonso
GRAPHICAL APPARATUS
de Celada, of Cadiz, Spain.]
This Invention relates to an apparatus whose object is to serve for tachygraphy.
replacing it in all its applications, that is to say to follow and reproduce speech or
language by mechanical means and in printed characters.
The said apparatus has the form of a piano of small dimensions, its key-board
being capable of being constructed in various forms and being arranged in such a
manner as to enable speech or language to be determined, taken down, and .
designated.
The key-board in its normal position is always horizontal.
In the ensuing
description it is to be understood that the remarks made with respect to one key
are applicable to the other twenty-nine keys their mode of action being identical.
Assuming then that any one of the keys, for example the key representing the
letter A is selected it should fulfil two conditions namely;-first it should denote
the letter, character, or sign which it represents; and secondly, it should cause the
immediate or uniform advance or movement of the paper upon which it is designed
to produce an impression. In other words the key having its centre of movement
upon a certain line and resting against the end of the longest arm of a lever
carrying upon its shortest arm a stamp or punch provided with a letter or other
character or sign which it is desired to be reproduced, it will be evident that by
depressing or applying pressure to the said key the aforesaid lever will be raised
Di 1
,

page_text: thus causing the punch or stamp to descend; by this downward movement of the
said punch or stamp the letter or other character or sign which the same carries
will be denoted upon a platform or plate.
To prevent the key from remaining in its depressed position after it has thus
been caused to descend and ensure its rising to its normal position as soon as the
pressure previously exerted thereon is withdrawn, I employ a series of springs
which exert their force upon the short arm of the said key and compel it to return
to such normal position.
I have thus explained the manner in which the key fulfils the first of the above
named conditions. I will now proceed to describe the manner in which the second
of the said conditions is fulfilled, that is to say, the uniform advance movement
or feed of the paper. This paper is wound or rolled. upon a drum or reel and
passes thence between two rollers upon the impression plate or platform, then
over a third roller, then around a portion of the surface or periphery of another
roller or cylinder to which it is caused to firmly adhere by means of a brake or
friction exerting device consisting of two cylinders which are fluted or grooved
and arranged tangentially to the said roller or cylinder and caused to act by
means of a spring; the paper is then finally wound upon a second drum or reel
by means of a clockwork movement. This movement concentrates its- force or
power upon a toothed wheel which gears with the said drun or reel. It follows,
therefore, that the resistance which prevents the clockwork movement from with-
drawing at any given moment the whole of the paper from the drum or reel is
caused simply by the pressure exerted by the aforesaid spring and the brake
upon the roller or cylinder.
I will now proceed to describe the relation which exists between the said
cylinder and the key in order to render more clear the arrangement whereby,
when the latter returns to its normal position, the cylinder is caused to advance
a certain distance (three millimetres for instance) whilst the aforesaid second drum
or reel receives an equal quantity of paper, considering that the clockwork
movement is arranged in such a manner that it is able to turn this drum or
reel at all times.
With this object in view, I have arranged, tangential to the lower face or surface
of the keys, a very rigid metallic bar, which, being firmly or securely attached to two
symmetrical transverse levers, has its centre upon a rod, the limit or extent of
oscillation at the centres of the said rigid metallic bar being determined or governed
by a head or part, by means of two graduated screws; one of the said transverse
levers is jointed or pivotted at one end to a connecting rod or bar T and is
connected by a pawl with the aforesaid roller or cylinder; the said pawl is arranged,
according to the diameter of the said cylinder, in such a manner that at each move-
ment the latter will be caused to advance the desired distance, three millimetres
for instance. A spiral spring attached to one end of the aforesaid connecting rod or
bar retains the above named mechanism in a horizontal position.
3
These two combined actions constitute the entire working of the apparatus. If
any one of the keys, such as the key A for instance, is depressed, the lever
corresponding to the said key will immediately print a character or letter; at the
same time the key which is operated upon will carry with it the bar and con-
sequently one of the said transverse levers will act in the same manner with regard
to the connecting rod or bar, which, as above stated, is connected to its extremity;
in this manner the dead point of the pawl is evaded, immediately the pressure
exerted in order to cause the key to descend is removed the said key will be caused
to return to a horizontal position by means of its spring. The stainp or punch of
the said lever will then be withdrawn from, or leave, the paper, which, being moved
or drawn along by the roller or cylinder, whose movement causes the pawl to
return to its normal position, is wound or rolled up upon the reel or drum whose
frame is identical with that of loose pulleys.
This winding up of the paper is not produced solely by means of the clockwork
movement, but is assisted by the aforesaid roller or cylinder in order that the band
L

page_text: fore-finger which at each of these movements is resting upon the twelfth key), the
fore-finger remaining constantly in contact with the twelfth key, the ring-finger
resting upon its own key, and lastly the middle finger being passed from the
seventh to the eleventh key, in other words if we say these fingers realize these
eleven correlative binary combinations, it results that the eleven letters (out of the
twelve above indicated) change their original import (their proper one) into a
totally different signification by reason of the addition of the letter j which is the
twelfth letter. The combinations therefore which will result with their respective
conventional significations may be stated to be as follows that is to say ;-(g) = h)
(kch) (bj = x) (pj = u) (fj = w) (tj = 8) (dj = 2) (lj = y) (r j = 1 1)
(rrjn) (mj = n).
-
When the forefinger is then drawn back upon the eleventh key and is kept in
contact with this key at the same time that the little finger is passed over its first.
two keys, two combinations are obtained, namely 9 m = c and k m q and there
still remains a sufficiently extended compass or space to permit the completion of
the initial consonants according to the particularities of each language. It is possible
then to thus form 25 cousonants.
The thumb produces the three vowels a, i, u, by being pressed upon the
thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth keys, and the vowels e, o, y by being applied to
the junction between the thirteenth and fourteenth, the fourteenth and fifteenth,
and the thirteenth and fifteenth keys, which, although, they are double or compound
keys, are considered as single keys; there remains the compound or combined
sign or indication a-i-u the employment of which will be hereinafter explained
and which results from the combination of the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth
keys,
The right hand exactly 'imitates the left hand, the employment of each of its
fingers being precisely the same; it should nevertheless be observed that in this
case the order of the keys is as follows, that is to say, a-i-u are produced by the
fifteenth, fourteenth, and thirteenth keys, and e-o-y by the fifteenth and fourteenth
keys, the fourteenth and thirteenth keys, and the fifteenth and thirteenth keys.
There are therefore twenty-five consonants and six vowels under the control of
the left hand and the same number of consonants and vowels under the control of
the right hand.
The seventh term or expression, that is to say, the combination of the vowels
a+i+u (represented by the thirteenth fourteenth and fifteenth keys) under the
control of the thumbs, corresponds to fifteen different signs representing intervening
vowels and mixed or confused sounds and constituted in the following manner that
is to say the thumbs first control two terins or expressions ("termes") the one
independent of the other, then a simultaneous third; to these three it is necessary
to add six other terms resulting from the six vowels under the control of the thumb
of the left hand at the moment the thumb of the right hand is on its free term;
and six terms resulting from the six vowels of the right thumb at the moment when
the left thumb is on its free term a total of fifteen distinct signs or terms is
constituted.
I thus arrange a key-board which permits the designation at one and the same
time or with a single blow of an initial consonant (which I hereinafter term "the
syllabic generator") either single, when it is not one of those which assimilate to the
letters or r, or compound when it assimilates to either one of these letters the
following seven consonants being assimilable (g-k-b-p-f-t-d-); (gl-gr -----de-
dr) thus one or two vowels become united or combined with any final consonant
whatever.
The vocalizations which exceed these limits are generally long; they require or
necessitate a greater amount of time for their pronunciation and give rise, in
consequence, to two or more verberations, a single one not being sufficient.
Hereinafter, in speaking of the numeral the important role which this part plays
if it is desired that it should serve as an element of abbreviation will be indicated.
It has been explained above in what manner the signs or indications may be

page_text: converted into writing; when the said signs or indications are to be read this may
be done by the aid of letter-scales according to the marks or indications that the
extremities of the keys form in relief on the paper.
As soon as the discourse or speech is reproduced, the paper is returned to the first
cylinder and caused to pass from the same to the other cylinder arranged in the
upper part of the apparatus in which there is a slot as above stated through which
the band or strip of paper can pass. Two horizontally arranged reglets which are
connected at their extremities and have between their edges or sides a suitable
space, say for instance a space of four millimetres and behind which the paper
passes, permit to be seen (in accordance with the assent of the latter) in the space
existing between them, one or two indications or impressions which happen to be
at the respective part of the band or strip, that is to say, either an initial consonant,
a vowel, or a final consonant. A single impression or indication and even two, if
the second on the right in the initial consonants is 'not a j may be read from below;
if, on the contrary, that one of the two indications or impressions representing
initial consonants which is found on the right is a j the same unheeded and the
reading is continued from the top in passing to the letter indicated immediately
beneath.
In the section of the vowels read above the sounds a-i-u and below the com.
binations ai
e, in
= o, and au = y, if it is desired, the modified vowels also with
regard to which a question has arisen above can be indicated below; as to the final
consonants which govern the four subordinate fingers of the right hand, such as the
letters and, they are not comprised in the combinations which the initial
consonants present if a single sign or character is indicated it will be found below
and if two signs or characters are indicated they will be found above, the letter j
being in all cases unheeded.
:
Thus it will be understood that each sign or character has a proper import or
meaning and another which is conventional as already determined by the formula
above established; this circumstance indicates the manner of proceeding in order
to construe the signs or characters so that all persons can read one after another
that which is indicated without. a difficult apprenticeship or study, the syllable
which is formed corresponding in all cases to its particular meaning or signification.
The first tachygraphic formula is that in which there is formed by the whole of
the fingers, combinations which tend to the augmentation of the series of an initial
consonant and of a final consonant as will be understood by comparison with the
formula herein before established.
I would further remark that each of the two sections or parts of the keyboard
comprises thirty assembled keys which are separated at the middle between the
two hands and each of which indicates or impresses a small point in relief; they
form five horizontal rows of six keys each corresponding to the five fingers of the
two hands. The fifteenth key's have a supplement below from the tenth key where
their point is reproduced thereby facilitating the positions determined and better
adapting the key-board to the use of persons having small hands.
On the left section or half of the key-board in its first row, that is to say, to its
first six keys the little finger and the ring finger are applied, the former being
adapted to operate the first, second, third, and fourth keys, and the latter the fifth,
and sixth keys; in the second series the middle finger is applied to the seventh
and eighth keys whilst the fore-finger is employed to actuate the ninth, tenth,
eleventh, and twelfth keys; finally the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth keys of
the third series of keys in each section or half of the key-board are adapted to be
operated upon by the two thumbs. The other four fingers of the right hand follow
the same movements as the corresponding fingers of the left hand, in the two other
rows of keys which are subordinate to them.
As in the distribution of the keys of each series between the fingers of the two
hands, there is no difference, and as in the two halves or parts of the key-board the
same rows of keys respectively are reserved to be actuated by the thumbs, it will
suffice to indicate the different signs, characters, or indications which the pressure of

page_text: a thumb is enabled to record or impress, and in accordance with this the signs,
characters, or indications which the other fingers of one hand are enabled to produce,
in order to indicate the working of all the rest.
It has already been stated that to the first series of keys on the left the little
finger and the ring-finger of the left hand are applied; the little finger thus
indicates or impresses nine different terms, signs, or characters by being caused to
travel successively over the four first keys which are assigned to it, that is to say,
the first, second, third, and fourth keys and the five combinations or conjunctions of
these keys (1+2, 1+2+3, 1+3, 2+3, 3+4); the ring-finger on being applied
to the fifth and sixth keys and upon the two together can thus form or constitute
three terms or indications; there results therefore twelve terms or indications which
can be produced by one single finger, that is to say which arise from independent
'movements of each of the said two fingers; if, however, all the terms or indications
produced by the little finger ar combined one by one with each of the three terms
or indications produced by the ring finger so that the two fingers acting conjointly,
twenty seven terms or indications are obtained by two fingers; if to these, the
above named twelve terms produced by one finger are added a total of thirty nine
terms or indications is obtained; to this can still be added two terms or indications
which the little finger or the ring-finger can produce, that is to say, a simple indi-
cation or sign resulting from the combination of the keys Nos. 2+3+4+5 and an
indication or sign resulting from the combination of the keys Nos. 2+3+4+5 +6.
The total number of signs which can thus be obtained is therefore forty-one.
The thumbs, on their part, produce three different terms or indications for the
reason that each series of three keys arranged in a proper manner, represents seven
terms or indications, that is to say, three terms or indications arising from the
thirteenth fourteenth, and fifteenth keys and four formed by the combination or the
contact of these keys as follows that is to say Nos. 13 + 14; Nos. 13 +14 + 15,
Nos. 14 15 and Nos. 13 + 15. Each of these seven terms which are distinct
from each other by reason of the different places or positions which they occupy,
having their pair on the other side, forms a total of fourteen terms; if then
pressure is applied in turns upon each of the keys representing the terms or
indications on the left side at the same time that the seven corresponding keys on
the right side are traversed and vice-versa forty nine new combinations are
obtained. If, therefore, the fourteen terms or indications above referred to are
added to these, a total of sixty three different signs or indications is obtained.
When once it is demonstrated how the five series or collections of keys are
arranged of which those acted upon by the thumbs each represent sixty three
terms or indications and those reserved for the other fingers forty-one terms or
indications, it will be understood that as the alphabet of any language does not
call for, or require, such a great number of signs or characters, five letters, whatever
they may be, can be constantly in action, one for each alphabet; there still remain,
moreover, terms or indications which can be applied to the vowels which are
peculiar to the language spoken; moreover, if it is desired, it is possible to establish
a double set or series of vowels serving alternately to distinguish the words which
succeed each other, and as in all languages in general, five letters at a time
ordinarily enter into each syllabic utterance, and on the other hand a syllable does
not comprise ten letters in any language, two blows or movements will always
suffice to reproduce a syllable, the second blow or movement being produced by the
right hand each time that it is operated to denote six or seven letters constituting
a single syllable and by the left hand only in a very rare case where the syllable
consists of eight or nine letters; it is then necessary in reading to consider the
spaces left to the left of the series as an indication that the letters denoted opposite
on the right are the complement of a syllable of the line which is found immediately
above.
Before proceeding to explain the numeration there now remains to be described
in its entirety the method of writing obtained when the distinct syllables are taken
as a base as hereinafter explained, and the form which this writing takes upon the

page_text: paper. It is however as well to here observe that if it is preferred to denote the
numbers or numerals in the same manner as the other words, this may readily be
effected.
The general rule is to denote by starting with the first series on the left the
letters which it is intended to pronounce in a single syllable, unless the correlation
between them is interrupted; if these letter are five in number the line is filled up,
that is to say, the five series denote the five letters which are to be understood; if
it is intended to pronounce less than five letters in a syllable then there will be
formed in the line a space at the part where a series of keys are found to be
unemployed for example in the fifth series.
From the above description it will be readily understood how to proceed if the
letters in a syllable never exceed five in number. It sometimes occurs however
that a syllable contains six letters and even more, yet never ten letters. It is then
necessary to determine a rule of procedure in so far as concerns the additional
letters. These are expressed by a second blow (from the right hand as above stated),
either upon the fifth series of keys when there is one letter only above the normal
number, or upon the fourth and the fifth series if the additional letters are two in
number, or upon the third the fourth and the fifth series if there are three additional,
letters and so on. In the latter case the intervention of the left hand becomes
necessary as above explained. In this manner it is impossible to confuse or mix the
supplementary letters serving as the termination of a syllable of more than five
letters, with those belonging to syllables containing less than five letters as a blank
space or several blank spaces will be left to the right of the latter whilst the
supplementary letters will have free spaces on their left; it will be obvious therefore
that in reading it is necessary to consider as a single syllable two consecutive
lines of which the lower line is incomplete on the left, and the upper line complete..
I will now proceed to describe the part of my invention relating to the indication.
or denotation of numerals.. As thirty keys are provided they can be formed into
four groups of four keys each, when there will still remain two keys. Consequently
it is possible to distinguish, one after the other, seven categories or numerical orders
or classes. It is already known that the little fingers and the fore-fingers operate
upon four keys whereupon nine terms or indications are obtained; in addition, the
ring-fingers and the middle fingers control two keys, or together four keys; finally,
the thumbs act upon three keys of which one remains free to each of the fingers.
Thus this group in the same manner as the preceding but independently furnishes
more than nine combinations.
:
Now as we have seven categories each of which is arranged independently of the
others, we can consider as or term units the nine signs or indications produced by:
the little finger of the right hand, teus the nine first or primary signs or indications.
of the fifteen that the ring and middle fingers can produce, hundreds the signs or
indications that the fore-finger is capable of producing, thousands the nine first or
primary signs or indications of the fifteen which the four keys adapted to be
operated by the two thumbs are capable of producing; tens of thousands the signs
or indications produced by the fore-finger of the left hand, hundreds of thousands
the signs or indications produced by the middle and ring finger and millions the
signs or indications produced by the little finger. In this manner a single passage
of the fingers over the keys suffices to indicate or denote all the correlative
numbers from 1 up to 9,999,999. If these numbers are multiplied by the three
signs or indications of the two keys which remain and are adapted to be operated
upon by the thumbs, it is possible to arrive at a total of forty millions less
4 units. Before or after the number can be placed as an annotation the word
"number" or some other suitable expression which does not necessitate a
supplementary traverse or passage of the fingers over the keys; in this manner
the numerical expressions or indications can never be confounded with the others
and as will be readily understood by two blows or strokes absolutely similar to
those which the reproduction of a syllable demands it is possible to indicate from
three main figures nearly all those which follow after a thousand &c. The

page_text: :
employment of the cipher is unnecessary for the reason that was the various
categories always occupy the position set apart for them, a cipher which is wanting
or deficient at any point or place is readily taken into account.
It has already been stated that this numerical theory will have a certain
importance; in practice if the word number in front of the figure indicated is
replaced by any other suitable expression such for instance as the word phrase as
in this case it is simply necessary to peruse the keys once for all; this same
classification as applied to numerical expressions can also serve in the reproduction-
of polysyllabic words of great length; it will be readily perceived to what extent it
is possible to obtain information from a classification of signs or indications which
is so extended and which it is so easy to retain in the memory. To all appearances
moreover it seems that it will not be impossible by reason of this advantage
accruing from my invention to compile or form a kind of catalogue of all the forms
of speech, locutions, or polysyllabic words which are in frequent use in the various
dialects or languages according to a well considered plan. There remains a great
deal to be effected with regard to this project in order to reduce and considerably
abridge or shorten this system of writing. Thus persons who have a good memory
can very quickly and very correctly understand or re-establish the meaning
between a series of words and numbers which are unconnected. Moreover it
frequently happens that by substituting numbers for words it is possible to obtain
by two blows that which would otherwise require even three four five or more
blows under the ordinary circumstances. But the principal abbreviations which
even render unnecessary all the others are those which persons but little acquainted
with the key-board can make themselves by simply reducing the polysyllabic
words to two syllables not containing more than five letters each. This is the one
method of abbreviation which is already well understood and apparently becomes
natural and which is effected spontaneously after a little practice; this method by
reason of its simplicity presents itself as being the most advantageous for the
reason that it is possible to understand what there is missing in a long word in
which it is not possible to make some syllabic conversion so as to reduce it to a
bisyllabic or nearly bisyllabic expression.
The whole of the five independent alphabets above referred to can likewise be
employed or introduced in another manner in order to suit languages in which
there is an abundance of initial consonants and final double syllabics the part of
the vowels being always sufficiently developed to respond or answer to all the
elements which enter at present into the different European Languages.
The forty two terms or indications amongst the sixty tree which the thumbs
are capable of expressing or denoting as already explained comprise the six vowels
a, e, i, o, u and y and their thirty six respective dipthongs; there still remains
therefore twenty one terms or indications which can be appropriated to the
tripthongs, whenever the language spoken contains the same.
Considering forty one terms or indications of the other four respective series as
independent alphabets consisting of consonants only the first and the second series
representing the initial consonants and the fourth and fifth series the final con-
sonants it is possible to retain constantly in action, from one to six letters in the
form which is most suitable to the vocalization which generally gives rise to extensive
complications in the other systems.
It now remains to be observed that if it is desired to reproduce syllables having
three or more initial consonants, as it is impossible to indicate by one stroke or
blow more than two of each kind, it is necessary in reading to consider the initial
consonants unaccompanied by a vowel and occupying a position to the left as
appertaining to the following line arranged below and the final or surplus
indications which are found by themselves to the right as forming part of the
preceding line or line above. The same remarks apply in the consideration of
double letters, hereinbefore referred to, but in this case it is necessary to proceed
letter by-letter..
-Persons having very short hands can eliminate in this system of syllables, the

page_text: first and twelfth keys which correspond to the little fingers and the fore fingers on
both sides; they in this case operate with the thumb thus. completing the fifteen
keys. There therefore remains but twenty three consonants, as initial consonants
in each of the two first series; these however are adequater: There remains: the same
number of final syllabic consonants in the fourth and fifth series and the sixty
three terms or indications under the control of the thumbs remain without change
in so far as their relation to. the vowels is concerned. There has already been
stated with regard to the key-board all that is deemed essential or useful to enable
its adaptation to various languages to be readily understood.
Now with regard to the tachygraphic formulas which are further developed it is
simply necessary to consider that which is strictly necessary for clearness of the
language for even a keyboard containing twenty keys (amongst which the twelfth
thirteenth fourteenth and fifteenth keys are arranged in the same manner as in the
key-board herein before described, whilst in the place of the eleven remaining keys
there are only six keys to the right and left) can be substituted for that containing
thirty keys serving then simply to reproduce the essential elements of the syllables
or of the speech or discourse according to the formulas indicated above.-It is then
necessary to consider the twelfth thirteenth fourteenth and fifteenth keys as if
they carried the seventh eighth ninth and tenth keys. and to understand in the
arrangement above mentioned that the service of the little fingers of each hand are
dispensed with in so far as concerns the first second third fourth fifth and sixth
keys-The ten keys number twelve, fourteen, sixteen, eighteen, and twenty that is
to say five keys manipulated by the two hands at the same time, as well as the new
arrangement of the key-board in general serve as a base for a great number of other
tachygraphic formulas.
In the formula containing ten keys there are in reality two alphabets containing
thirty indications terms or signs since under the control of each hand, in addition
to the five simple signs or indications (one for each finger) there are ten binary
combinations, ten ternaries, five quartenaries, and one quinary; this will be readily
understood if it is considered that the little finger and the thumb of the left hand
and of the right' hand serve as starting points for the first five numbers as they
follow each other in the proper manner that is to say, 1 then 2, then 3, then 4
and then 5 (touched successively by the other fingers). This observation and the
consideration of the numerical table given below will confirm the above assertion.
This table for the two hands comprises as simple terms or indications 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
as binary terms or indications 12, 13, 14, 15, 23, 24, 25, 34, 35, 45, as ternary
terms or indications 123, 124, 125 134, 135, 145, 234, 235, 245, 345, as, quaternary
terms or indications 1234, 1235, 1245, 1345, 2345 and as a quinary term or
indication 12345.
Any person is at liberty to designate or denote by these thirty one digital
combinations of each hand the letters desired either in the manner in which they
follow each other in the alphabet or by classing or arranging them in any other
suitable order. Nineteen simple syllabic generators are arranged at the disposal of
the left hand, ten proceeding from the five letters g, k, l, p, and f each capable
of being combined with the letter or the letter ; then the two signs or
indications for the letter t and the letter d which can likewise be combined with
the letter and the letter r thereby providing nineteen signs or indications which
as herein described can be considered as compound syllabic generators.
Under the control of the right hand there are five independent vowels as a
simple syllabic complement in addition to the combinations of each of these vowels
with each of the five final consonants most generally used namely the letters in
rs and z as a compound syllabic complement.
I will now proceed to explain the formula when twelve keys are employed.
In this case there commences a delineation in a rudimentary manner of the three
constituent elements of the syllables since any one whatever of the subordinate
fingers except the ring finger has control over two keys; the thumb has under its
control two other keys and the other fingers each control the movement of one

page_text: .
key; there are thus provided not only the two alphabets above referred to which
the key-board presents to the ten keys and which permit the production of sixty
three different courbinations, hereinbefore enumerated but also three independent
vowels arising from two keys under the control of the thumbs and sometimes
employed separately or combined in a single expression. Being given the
philosophical principle with which was commenced the description upon natural
syllabication proceeding equally with the movement of the fingers it results that
in the actual condition or state of the tachygraphic art, the reading of that which
is written according to my system is easy for all persons without necessitating
any tedious preparation, and that on the other hand this writing even devoid of
all complications is accessible to persons of all classes and even to infants of tender
age; all will readily learn to manage the formula correctly and in a well regulated
manner and to follow the manifestations of the voice in all their phases of velocity.
The two supplementary keys namely those under the control of the two thumbs
in the formula hereinafter given indicate an asterisk and not a special number
term or indication, the numbers hereinbefore mentioned forming the permanent
base for the expression of the letters, which is only diversified when the special
method of writing which forms the object of the formula in question is applied.
I will now proceed to explain the formula when 14 keys are employed. I have
spoken at sufficient length with regard to the two preceding formulas, to enable a
person to deduce the rules, analogous to the rest which apply to this formula; these
rules are as follow that is to say; in this case it suffices to state that two fingers
(the little finger and the thumb) are each designed to actuate two keys and the
other fingers each operate a single key, being placed correlatively on leaving the
first key in such a manner that the thumbs will be found to act upon the sixth and
the ninth keys. In this formula containing one hundred and twenty seven terms or
indications for each hand, are determined the thirty one numerical phases already
known as they were explained in the part of this specification relating to the
formula when ten keys are employed with the five internal keys and the remainder
(that is to say its triplicity), and with the two external keys namely the first and
the ninth keys, acting in turn either independently of each other or in pairs by
being placed in contact. The fact however of having one hundred and twenty
seven terms or indications causes us to infer that there are present forty one initial
consonants or syllabic generators for the left hand and there still remains three
terms and twenty three final consonants for the right hand of which each sets forth
the five vowels a, e, i, o, u in such a manner that there remains in all twelve terms
for the independent vowels, that which constitutes the syllabic generator and
complement or in other words the most rapid or transient human speech interpreted
or construed by the fingers and even should it become necessary to repeat a blow
in order to obtain a well defined double vowel it is also possible to vaguely indicate
its presence by a single blow by employing for this purpose one of the two means
which the system of generator consonants afford. An equal or even manipulation
is so expeditious that one cannot but appreciate the advantages that are presented
with respect to all languages in general that are copied by means of tachygraphy.
I will now proceed to describe the formula when sixteen keys are employed.
By placing the thumbs on their keys, namely the eighth ninth, and tenth keys, and
considering the sixty three terms or indications which they produce as vowel
expressions we reserve as initial and final consonants the thirty one terms capable
of being produced by any five keys of the seven collateral keys which are under the
control of the other four fingers of the two band, the forefingers, the middle fingers,
and the little fingers having each two keys under their control and the other
fingers a single key only; if as in the preceding example there is assigned to the
ring fingers a single, key only and to the other fingers two keys, there will remain
for the initial consonants five keys subject to the action of the three fingers which
precede the fore-finger and two keys for those which produce the liquid letters
7 and r; with respect to the final consonant as the right hand has a similar band or
strip of paper the two keys under the control of the fore-finger or preferably those

page_text: under the control of the little finger can with their three terms be employed for
participle terminations or for the various tenses of the infinitive mood or serve for
other tachygraphic uses, at the convenience of persons skilled in this art.
I will now describe the formula when eighteen keys are employed. In this case
the three syllabic parts being symmetrical that is to say comprising an equal
number of keys, six for the initial consonants, six for the vowels and six for the
final consonants, if the thumbs are placed as previovsly described and the other
fingers in such a manner that the little fingers and the forefingers have each two
keys under their control, and the remaining fingers of each hand one key each
and assuming that each group produces sixty three terms or indications, five letters
are at disposal which letters permit the production of the most rapid syllabic
utterances.
I will now describe the formula when twenty keys are employed. It has already
been stated with reference to the formula when ten keys are employed and in which
each hand has the control of five of such keys, that two alphabets of thirty one
terms can be realized. If then each hand is adapted to control ten keys it is
possible to obtain four similar alphabets. The two thumbs having each the control
of three keys, and the fore fingers the control of two the two inner alphabets
are produced; then the little fingers and the middle fingers each controlling two
keys and the ring fingers each controlling one key only produce the two outer
alphabets.
This formula comprising four alphabets containing thirty one independent terms
or indications is especially advantageous in the production by one or two blows or
strokes of all the letters which it is desired to pronounce in a syllable; the right
hand serves to produce the second blow for the reason that if the syllable expressed
does not exceed seven letters, although the left hand intervenes with its second
group the first group remains clear and it is possible to read very readily and
without any confusion the syllables of two lines not exceeding six or seven letters.
The languages in which suffices a simple and compound syllabic generator of
thirty one terms with two vowels and a final consonant can employ the fourth
group as terminations; thus the tachygraphical denotations effected can be derived
with great advantages from this group.
Each of these processes has naturally a special scale for reading, according to the
manner in which the passage of the paper takes place; thus in the first formula
(that is to say that containing double meanings) the indeterminate marks or
characters in relief upon the paper coincide in the spaces with the other different
characteristic indications, which indicate the meaning of the terms or indications
that it is desired to translate or construe.
The punctuation can always be effected in a general manner and to any extent;
for this purpose the terms or indications are chosen which are not met with in the
language spoken, and it is thus possible to denote a comma, a semicolon and the like
as they are found in ordinary writing; to meet the exigencies of orthography.
Finally in this system of writing the whole of the operations proceed in the same
measure as the speaking, and although it would appear that confusion might result
from the fact that there is no separation between each word there is no such
confusion in reality since it suffices for a person to be conversant with a language
to distinguish at the moment desired if a certain syllable belongs to some other
syllable or whether it should be separated from it. It is however advantageous, to
facilitate the writing, to draw fine pencil lines beneath the last syllable of each
group (or of each word) this method presenting an advantage in cases where it is
necessary to read over again or repeat quickly that which has been said.
The following may be taken as general observations. To enable to be better under-
stood that which has been said above and that which follows it will be well to recall to
mind what has been explained at the commencement of this specification that is to
say that the two alphabets assigned to the thirty keys in the first formula concern
the double meanings representing perfectly the elementary diapason of the voice
(or speech) of all languages in general, whatever may be the rapidity or the brevity

page_text: with which they are spoken, should we consider as of a single tense the five special
letters which can always be expressed in conformity with the order above indicated
for these alphabets, and as expressions of two tenses those which are increased
either on the part of the vowels forming the base of the syllable or on the part of
the collateral consonants.
By this law or rule respecting the syllables, which results from the observations
and the explanation on the aforesaid key-board containing thirty keys the operations
which correspond to them are found perfectly proved, and it is easy to understand
all other notable manipulations whatsoever.
こ
There are still two other very simple methods of reproducing a syllable that is to
say. the two first series (twelve keys of a key-board containing thirty keys) and
the twenty two reciprocal combinations of these twelve keys form together thirty
five terms or indications; any one of these twelve keys and one also of the
combinations can be produced by that finger of the 4 subordinate fingers of the left
hand which is best suited and nearest for such a key or combination; the same thing
can take place in the fourth and fifth series relatively to the four corresponding
fingers of the right hand. In this case languages such as the Spanish and similar
languages have their syllabic generators either simple or compound, in the first
part, where more complicated languages have only a simple generator; in the
second part the Spanish has its syllabic complement and the other idioms their final
consonants less combine.].
In the Spanish the solution of a dipthong is found in one of the six keys under
the control of the thumbs; the other idioms having a greater extension will also
form part of the sixty three terms or indications which the thumbs can produce
with their six keys for the various phases which such syllabic part demands.
The thirty five double terms or indications serving as initials and as finals if they
do not suffice for the exigencies of a strongly developed language can be applied in
concurrence with the terms of the key, twelve appertaining to the fore-finger, with
the plurality of terms which the other three preceding fingers can realize by
reproducing their first movements; and if it is desired to consider the part of the
vowels as it was done in the formula for the double meanings there is nothing to
prevent, as the little fingers and the ring fingers are those which it is the most
difficult to cause to act promptly and well there is a particular means of evading
them in the reproduction of syllables which consist in the maintenance of the second
and fourth series under the control of the middle finger and the fore finger, the
second series as an inital consonant and the fourth as a final consonant the thumbs
governing the element of the vowels in their various phases.
In the key-board containing thirty keys also we should consider the three first
series of the left hand as the three attributive parts of a syllable, the first and the
third as the initial and final consonants and the second as the vowel; the other
two series should serve respectively for the terminations and for the punctuation
the whole being arranged to be operated by a single movement; there remain to be
added the combinations of the forty-one terms of the said two last series between
them, for the conventional words, or to figure alone, without conjunction, that is to
Bay exclusively and independently upon a single horizontal line.
In cases where it is desired to reproduce elementary voice (or speech) with its
prosodial property at one time it is simply necessary to assign the initial syllabic
consonant to the first series, the first vowel to the second series, the second vowel
to the fourth series and the final consonant to the fifth series, the thumbs thus
remaining free and being able with their six keys to be employed three for the
different accents and the other three for the intonations of admiration and interro-
gation and also the apostrophe and as the pauses allow the time necessary to effect
independent expressions, a process is possessed which permits speech to be retraced
as it may be stated with isochronism in all its most essential attributions and
produces a faithful interpretation.
The key-board containing thirty keys can moreover serve for the same purposes
as that containing twenty two.or twenty keys. To this end I provide two metallic

page_text: pieces which being attached to each pair of the keys on the interior part of the case
or box of the key-board connect the said keys whilst those which are not required
to produce an impression or indication remain without a stamp or punch.
With regard to the first formula concerning the double meanings it may be
observed that the letter w of the English language is considered not only as a
consonant but also as a vowel; in fact by considering it as such it is very easy to
indicate it each time that it occurs in a syllable even if the formulas of the key-
board have no special term for that letter. As it is easy to diversify the twenty
five collateral consonants with the vowels it is also easy to accompany each of the
twenty five terms of the left hand by the said letter w and to cause it to precede
each of those of the right hand.
It is already understood that practically we have twelve or thirteen letters of one
or of two keys representing respectively in each half of the key-board the twenty-,
five initial and syllabic final consonants of which we presume that the formula is
now well understood, inasmuch as each of the first nine letters of a key (from the
extremities up to the centre) is preceded by the combination rrj (which the fore
fingers produce) and as each of the three letters rr-m-j is accompanied by the.
expression d-r produced by the middle fingers, it results that for the twelve
initial consonants the w should be placed after the consonant and for the twelve
finals before the consonant
Each of the nine letters amongst the thirteen produced by two keys can be
preceded by the combination mj; the c and the q can be preceded by td and this
latter combination t d being placed after each of the letters n n it is possible to:
indicate the windependently of the character of the vowel on each side with any
group whatever such as -- rm or rrm j.
It is advantageous in some cases to arrange two other key-boards having thirty.
keys at the disposition of persons having fingers sufficiently long to obviate
confusions between the keys when it is desired to combine them very rapidly.
With this object in view I construct another key-board identical to that above
described but in which each key diminishes like the black keys of a piano thereby
creating a distinction between the said keys and preventing at the same time the
ends of the fingers from acting upon the keys contiguous to those which it is desired
to strike
I also in some cases provide another construction of key-board in which the width
of the keys is considerably increased without changing the number however or the
space which the whole of them occupy. In this manner the above described
accidental confusions are rendered impossible unless the hands are not very delicate:
or used to manipulating the keys. It is possible to form an idea of this arrange-
ment if we observe that the sixth and seventh keys of two manipulators can be
arranged as follows that is to say the sixth key below the first key in which case
the said keys will occupy a similar position to the second and third keys and the
seventh key or the twelfth at the lower part of the adjacent tenth and eleventh
keys, and as the greatest space of which it is thus possible to dispose can be split up
between an equal number of keys it is evident that the width of each of them is
relatively greater than that which they possessed prior to this arrangement. In
this manner keys are provided which are as wide as those of a piano (the white
keys); this is all that is necessary and all that can be desired for the last terms. .
These modifications do not necessitate any alterations in the formula respecting the
double meanings.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry Harris Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
31st January 1883.
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake, and Co, Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO TACHY-
GRAPHICAL APPARATUS A communication to me from abroad by Vicente Alonso
de Celada, of Cadiz, Spain.
"
This invention relates to tachygraphical apparatus the object of which is to
replace tachygraphy in all its applications, that is to say, to reproduce speech or
language in printed or impressed characters by mechanical means.
The said apparatus has the form of a pianoforte of small dimensions, its key-
board may be constructed in various manners and is arranged so as to enable speeeh
or language to be impressed or otherwise produced upon paper.
The said key-
board can be removed and another substituted for it, if desired.
By referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings, the arrange-
ment of the key-board will be readily understood, in its normal position it is
always horizontal. In the ensuing description it is to be understood that the
remarks made with respect to one key are applicable to the other twenty nine keys
their mode of action being identical.
Assuming that any one of the keys, for example the key indicated by the
letter A, is selected, it should fulfil two conditions namely: First it should print
or impress the letter character or sign which it represents, and secondly, it should
cause the advance or feed movement of the paper upon which it is designed to
produce an impression. The key has its centre of movement upon the line M, N,
and rests against the end of the long arm of a lever B carrying upon its short arm
a stamp or punch C provided with a letter or other character or sign which it is
desired to reproduce, it will therefore be evident that by depressing the said key
the lever B will be raised thus causing the punch or stamp C to descend; by this
downward movement of the said punch or stamp, its letter or other character or
sign will be impressed upon the table or plate D.
To prevent the key from remaining in its depressed position after it has been
caused to descend, and to ensure its rising to its normal position as soon as the
pressure exerted thereon is withdrawn, I employ a series of springs E which exert
their force upon the said key and compel it to return to such normal position.
The particular arrangement of thirty springs as well as that of their enclosing
case, or chamber will be readily understood by reference to Figure 4 of the
drawings.
Having explained the manner in which the key fulfils the first of the above
named conditions, I will now proceed to describe the manner in which the second
of the said conditions is fulfilled, that is to say, how the uniform advance or feed
movement of the paper is effected. This paper is wound or rolled upon a drum or
reel F (see Figures 1, 2 and 3) and passes thence between two rollers R R¹ upon
the impression plate or table D, then over a roller R, then around a portion of
the surface or periphery of a roller or cylinder S to which it is caused to firmly
adhere by means of a brake or device H (see Figures 1 and 4) consisting of two
rollers which are fluted or grooved and are held in contact with the cylinder S by
means of the spring J; the paper is then wound upon the drum or reel F¹ by
means of clockwork arranged in the case L. This clock work acts upon the toothed
wheel O (see Figure 5) which gears with a toothed wheel on the drum or reel F".
The resistance, which prevents the clockwork from withdrawing at any given

page_text: moment the whole of the paper from the drum or reel F, is due simply to the
pressure exerted by the spring J, and the brake H upon the cylinder S.
I will now proceed to describe the relation which exists between the cylinder S
and the key A in order to render more clear the arrangement whereby, when the
latter returns to its normal position, the cylinder is caused to advance the paper a
certain distance, (three millimetres for instance) whilst the drum or reel F¹ receives
a corresponding quantity of paper. For this purpose I arrange transversely
below the said keys a rigid metal bar X, Y, which is firmly attached to two
similar transverse levers P, P¹, and P", P, and is free to oscillate upon the
rod Z, U, (Figure 5) the limit or extent of oscillation of the bar X, Y, being
determined or governed by a stop N (Figure 2) by means of two graduated
screws; the transverse lever P, P¹, is pivotted at one end to a connecting rod or
bar T (Figures 1 and 5) and is connected by a pawl T¹ (Figure 2) and ratchet-wheel
with the cylinder S; the said pawl is arranged, according to the diameter of the
said cylinder, in such a manner that, at each movement, the latter will be caused
to advance the desired distance, three millimetres for instance. A spiral spring V
attached to one end of the connecting rod or bar T retains the said lever in its
normal position.
The combined actions above described constitute essentially the operation of the
apparatus. If one of the keys, for example the key A, is depressed, the lever B
corresponding to the said key will immediately print or impress a character or
letter; at the same time the key which is operated upon will carry with it the
bar Y and consequently the transverse lever P, P¹, will move the connecting rod or
bar T; in this manner the dead point of the pawl is evaded. Immediately the
pressure exerted in order to cause the key to descend is removed, the said key will
be caused to return to a horizontal position by means of the spring E. The stamp
or punch of the lever B will then be withdrawn from the paper which being moved
forward by the cylinder S is wound upon the reel or drum F¹.
This winding of the paper is not produced solely by means of the clockwork in
the case L, but is assisted by the cylinder S in order that the band or strip of paper
employed may be controlled by the operator or manipulator according to the
discourse or speech of the speaker or orator. When the said orator has ceased to
speak, the lever which detains or holds the clockwork movement is caused to
oscillate, the break is released or withdrawn and the strip or band of paper is thus
set free and can be again wound on the first reel or drum. The band or strip of
paper once wound upon the said reel or drum wherefrom it originally proceeded,
its extremity is passed through a slot in which are placed the reading scales or
graduations. Then by securing this extremity of the strip or band of paper to the
drum or reel F parallel to the said slot and causing the said drum or reel to turn
by hand more or less quickly according to the rapidity with which the operator
renders or translates the characters, signs or letters which coincide with the said
scales, the whole of the matter which the band or strip of paper contains can be
read or copied systematically.
This small additional apparatus placed upon the lid or cover of the main or
principal part of the apparatus consists of a column or standard C" of suitable
height (say for instance one decimetre) and of a reel or drum which as well as the
roll of paper may be easily dismounted or removed as soon as the lecture or speech
is concluded.
Having thus described the mechanical part of my improved apparatus it is
necessary to elucidate its mode of operation, to produce the writing and to read
the same, which it is proposed to place within the reach of all, and which combines
clearness and brevity.
By paying careful attention to the voice, the most elementary expression of
language, it will be remarked in general that, in its greatest literal intricacy, its
perfect pitch or diapason in its various phases does not exceed the limits of two
alpbabets conveniently classed and arranged, Two consonants as initials, of which
the second is an or an r two vowels and a final consonant, such is the limited

page_text: type of this highly complex and rapid pronunciation; when this limit is passed-
the diction or phraseology becomes prolonged; the digitation being equal by reason.
of this circumstance to the length of the word.
Nothing can more easily explain this principle than if one essays to pronounce.
several consecutive times, clearly, distinctly and rapidly, articulations of the kind
above indicated, such as :-
plain
prain
-
-
plain
prain
-
-
plain
prain
etc
etc
These dictions consist of short syllables; they are less so if a consonant is added
to them either at the beginning or end of the word, as splain etc; sprain etc;
plains etc; prains etc; so much the more these articulations will be long if they
are arranged to follow one another no matter in what order.
The part of my improved apparatus which serves for the writing consists simply
in the application of a similar principle. In order to enable it to be readily
understood it is simply necessary to refer to Figure 3 of the accompanying
drawings representing my improved apparatus in plan or top view. By referring
to this Figure it will be seen that there are two main sections or parts of the
apparatus one to the right and the other to the left, each section or part containing
fifteen keys from which accrue the two alphabets hereinafter referred to.
The section or part on the left hand side is manipulated or operated upon by
the left hand, the fourth finger (that is to say the little finger) is employed for
operating successively upon the first second, third, fourth and fifth keys representing
respectively the letters g, k, b, p, f; the ring finger is employed for acting upon the
sixth key representing the letter t; the middle finger is employed for acting upon
the seventh key representing the letter d and the fore-finger is intended to be passed
successively over the eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth keys representing
respectively the letters l, r, rr, m, j. If therefore the little finger effects the five
movements above indicated (the fore-finger at each of these movements resting
upon the twelfth key), the fore-finger remaining constantly in contact with the
twelfth key, the ring finger resting upon its own key and lastly the middle finger
being passed from the seventh to the eleventh key, assuming that these fingers
realize these eleven correlative binary combinations it follows that the eleven
letters (out of the twelve above indicated) change their original import (their
proper.one) into a totally different signification by reason of the addition of the
letter which is the twelfth letter. The combinations therefore which will result
with their respective conventional significations may be stated to be as follows, that
is to say-(gj = h) (kj ch) (bj = x) (pj = u) (fj = w) (tj =.8) (dj=z) (lj =y)
(rj = ll) (rrj= n) (mj = u)
=
When the forefinger is moved to the eleventh key and is kept in contact with
this key at the same time that the little finger is passed over its first two keys, two
combinations are obtained namely (gm = c) and (km = q-) and there still remains
a sufficiently extended compass or space to permit the completion of the initial.
consonants according to the particularities of each language. It is possible then to
thus form 25 consonants.
The three vowels a, i, u, are produced by pressing the thumb upon the thirteentli
fourteenth, and fifteenth keys, and the vowels e, o, y, by pressing the thumb upon
the junctions between the thirteenth and fourteenth, the fourteenth and fifteenth
and the thirteenth and fifteenth keys, respectively, which although they are double
or compound keys are considered as single keys; there remains the compound or
combined sign or indication a iu the employment of which will be hereinafter
explained and which results from the combination of the thirteenth, fourteenth
and fifteenth keys.
The right hand exactly imitates the left hand, the employment of each of its
fingers being precisely similar; it should nevertheless be observed that in this case
the order of the keys is as follows, that is to say, a-i-u are produced respectively by
the fifteenth fourteenth and thirteenth keys, and e-o-y by the fifteenth and four-
teenth keys, the fourteenth and thirteenth keys and the fifteenth and thirteenth keys.

page_text: There are therefore twenty-five consonants and six vowels under the control of
the left hand and the same number of 'consonants and vowels under the control of
the right hand.
The seventh term or expression, that is to say, the combination of the vowels a i u
(represented by the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth keys) under the control.
of the thumbs corresponds. to fifteen different signs, representing intervening.
vowels and mixed or confused sounds, and constituted in the following manner,
that is to say, the thumbs control two terms or expressions ("termes") inde-
pendently of each other and then a third, simultaneously to these three are added.
six other terms resulting from the six vowels under the control of the thumb of the
left hand at the moment the thumb of the right hand is on its free term; and six
terms resulting from the six vowels of the right thumb at the moment when the
left thumb is on its free term; a total of fifteen distinct signs or terms is thus
obtained.
}
I thus arrange a key board which permits the designation at one and the same
time or with a single blow of an initial consonant (which I hereinafter term " the
syllabic generator") either single, when it is not one of those which assimilate
to the letters or r, or. compound when it assimilates to either one of these.
letters, the following seven consonants being assimilable (g-k-b-p-f-t-d) ;;
(gl-gr-----de-dr) thus one or two vowels become united or combined with
any final consonant whatever.
.
The vocalizations which exceed these limits are generally long; they require a.
greater amount of time for their pronunciation and consequently give rise to two.
or more verberations, a single one not being sufficient..
Hereinafter in speaking of the numerals the important role which this part plays
if it is desired that it should serve as an element of abbreviation will be'
described.
It has been explained above in what manner the signs or indications may be
converted into writing; when the said signs or indications are to be read this may.
be done by the aid of reading-scales according to the marks or indications that the
extremities of the keys form in relief on the paper.
As soon as the discourse or speech is impressed on the paper, the latter is returned
to the first cylinder and caused to pass from the same to the cylinder F" through
the aforesaid slot. Two horizontal reglets are connected at their extremities and
have between their edges or sides a suitable space, say for instance a space of four
millimetres, which as the paper passes behind the said reglets permits the impres-
sions to be seen, that is to say, the one or two indications or impressions which.
happen to be at that part of the band or strip, either an initial consonant, a vowel,
or a final consonant. A single impression or indication and even two, if the second.
on the right in the initial consonants is not a j, may be read from below; if, on the.
contrary that one of two indications or impressions, representing initial consonants,
which is found on the right is a j, the same is unheeded and the reading is,
continued from the top passing to the letter indicated immediately beneath.
=
In the section of the vowels read above the sounds a-i-u and below the com-
binations a i e, i no and a u = y, if it is desired the modified vowels also, with
regard to which a question has arisen above, can be indicated below; as to the final.
consonants which are governed by the four subordinate fingers of the right hand*
such as the letters 1 and r they are not comprised in the combinations which the.
initial consonants present, if a single sign or character is indicated it will be found.
below and if two signs or characters are indicated they will be found above, the.
letter j being in all cases unheeded.
Thus it will be understood that each sign or character has a proper import or
meaning and another which is conventional as already determined by the formula.
above established; this circumstance indicates the manner of proceeding in order
to construe the signs or characters so that any person can read that which is
indicated without a difficult apprenticeship or study, the syllable which is formed
corresponding in all cases to its particular meaning or signification.

page_text: The first tachygraphic formula is that in which there is formed by the whole of
the fingers combinations which tend to the augmentation of the series of an initial
consonant and of a final consonant as will be understood by comparison with the
formula herein before established.
It will be seen by referring to the drawings that the two sections or parts of the
keyboard comprise thirty keys which are separated at the middle between the two
hands, each of which keys indicates or impresses a small point in relief; they form
five horizontal rows of six keys each corresponding to the five fingers of the two
hands. The fifteenth keys have parts extending below from the tenth key where.
there is a supplementary key, thereby facilitating the positions determined and
better adapting the key-board to the use of persons having small hands.
On the left section or half of the key-board in its first row, that is to say, to its
first six keys the little finger and the ring finger are applied, the former being
adapted to operate the first, second, third, and fourth keys and the latter the fifth
and six keys; in the second series the middle finger is applied to the seventh and
eighth keys whilst the fore-finger is employed to actuate the ninth, tenth, eleventh,
and twelfth keys; finally the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth keys of the third
series of keys in each section or half of the key-board are adapted to be operated
upon by the two thumbs. The other four fingers of the right hand follow the same.
movements as the corresponding fingers of the left hand, in the two other rows of
keys which are subordinate to them.
As there is no difference in the distribution of the keys of each series between
the fingers of the two hands, and as in the two halves or parts of the key-board the
same rows of keys respectively are reserved to be actuated by the thumbs, it will
suffice to indicate the different signs, characters or indications which the pressure of
a thumb is enabled to record or impress and the signs characters or indications.
which the other fingers of one hand are enabled to produce, in order to indicate the
working of the remainder.
It has been stated above that to the first series of keys on the left the little finger.
and the ring finger of the left hand are applied; the little finger thus indicates or
impresses nine different terms, signs or characters by being caused to operate
successively the four first keys which are assigned to it, that is to say, the first,
second, third, and fourth keys and the five combinations or conjunctions of these
keys (12, 1+ 2+ 3, 1 + 3, 2+ 3, 3 + 4); the ring finger on being applied to
the fifth and sixth keys and upon the two together can thus form or constitute three
terms or indications; there result therefore twelve terms or indications which can
be produced by one single finger, that is to say, which arise from independent move-
ments of each of the said two fingers; if however all the terms or indications
produced by the little finger are combined one by one with each of the three terms
or indications, produced by the ring finger, the two fingers, acting conjointly, can
produce twenty seven terms or indications; if to these the above named twelve
terms produced by one finger are added, a total of thirty rine terms or indications is
obtained; to this can still be added two terms or indications which the little finger
or the ring-finger can produce, that is to say, a simple indication or sign resulting
from the combination of the keys N° 2+ 3+ 4+ 5 and an indication or sign
resulting from the combination of the keys No 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6. The total
number of signs which can be obtained is, therefore, forty-one.
The thumbs on their part produce three different terms or indications for the
reason that each series of three keys arranged in a proper manner, represents seven
terms or indications, that is to say, three terms or indications arising from the
thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth keys and four formed by the combination of
these keys as follows, that is to say, Nos 13 +14; N° 13 +14 + 15, Nos 14 + 15,
and Nos 13 + 15. These seven terms (which are distinct from each other by
reason of the different places or positions which they occupy) together with the
corresponding terms on the other side of the key board, form a total of fourteen
terms; if then pressure is applied in turns upon each of the keys representing the
terms or indications on the left hand side at the same time that the seven

page_text: corresponding keys on the right side are operated, and vice-versa, forty-nine new
combinations are obtained. If therefore the fourteen terms or indications above
referred to are added to these, a total of sixty three different signs or indications is
obtained.
When once it is demonstrated how the five series or groups of keys are arranged,
of which those acted upon by the thumbs each represent sixty three terms or
indications and those reserved for the other fingers forty one terms or indications,
it will be understood that as the alphabet of any language does not call for, or
require, such a great number of signs or characters, five letters whatever they may
be can be constantly employed one for each alphabet; there still remain moreover
terns or indications which can be applied to the vowels which are peculiar to the
language spoken; moreover if desired it is possible to establish a double set or
series of vowels serving alternately to distinguish the words which succeed each
other, and as in all languages in general five letters at a time ordinarily enter into
each syllabic utterance and on the other hand a syllable does not comprise ten
letters in any language, two blows or movements will always suffice to reproduce
a syllable, the second blow or movement being produced by the right hand each
time that it is operated to denote six or seven letters constituting a single syllable,
and by the left hand only in a very rare case where the syllable consists of eight
or nine letters; it is necessary therefore in reading to consider the spaces to the
left of the series as an indication that the letters denoted opposite on the right are.
the complement of a syllable of the line which is found immediately above.
Before proceeding to explain the numeration, there now remains to be described, -
in its entirety, the method of writing obtained when the distinct syllables are taken'
as a base as hereinafter explained, and the form which this writing takes upon the
paper It is, however, as well to observe that if it is preferred to denote the
numbers or numerals in the same manner as the other words this may readily be
effected.
The general rule is to denote, by starting with the first series on the left, the
letters which it is intended to pronounce in a single syllable, unless the correlation
between them is interrupted; if these letters are five in nümber the line is filled
up, that is to say, the five series denote the five letters which are to be understood ;'
if it is intended to pronounce less than five letters in a syllable then there will be
formed in the line a space at the part where a series of keys are found to be
unemployed, for example in the fifth series.
:
From the above description it will be readily understood how to proceed if the
letters in a syllable never exceed five in number. It sometimes occurs, however,
that a syllable contains six letters and even more, yet never ten letters. It is
therefore necessary to determine a rule of procedure in so. far as concerns the
additional letters. These are expressed by a second blow (from the right hand as
above stated) either upon the fifth series of keys when there is one letter only
above the normal number, or upon the fourth and the fifth series, if the additional
letters are two in number, or upon the third, the fourth and the fifth series if there.
are three additional letters and so on. In the latter case the intervention of the.
left hand becomes necessary as above explained. In this manner it is impossible to
confuse or mix the supplementary letters serving as the termination of a syllable of
more than five letters, with those belonging to syllables containing less than five
letters, as a blank space or several blank spaces will be left to the right of the latter
whilst the supplementary letters will have free spaces on their left; it will be
obvious therefore that, in reading, it. is necessary to consider as a single syllable
two consecutive lines of which the lower line is incomplete on the left and the
upper line complete.
I will now proceed to describe the part of my invention relating to the indica-
tion or denotation of numerals. As thirty keys are provided they can be formed
into seven groups of four keys each when there will still remain two keys.
Consequently it is possible to distinguish one after the other seven categories or
numerical orders or classes. It is already known that the little fingers and the fore-

page_text: '
fingers respectively operate four keys whereby nine terms or indications are
obtained; the ring fingers and the middle fingers respectively control two keys or
together four keys; and the thumbs act upon three keys of which one remains
free to each of the fingers. Thus this group, in the same manner as the preceding,
but independently, furnishes more than nine combinations.
Now as we have seven categories, each of which is arranged independently of the
others, we can consider as, or term, units the nine signs or indications produced by
the little finger of the right hand, tens the nine first or primary signs or indica-
tions of the fifteen that the ring and middle fingers can produce, hundreds the signs
or indications that the forefinger is capable of producing, thousands the nine first
or primary signs or indications of the fifteen which the four keys adapted to be
operated by the two thumbs are capable of producing, tens of thousands the signs
or indications produced by the fore-finger of the left hand, hundreds of thousands
the signs or indications produced by the middle and ring finger and millions the
signs or indications produced by the little finger. In this manner a single passage
of the fingers over the keys suffices to indicate or denote all the correlative numbers
from 1 up to 9,999,999. If these numbers are multiplied by the three signs or
indications of the two keys which remain and are adapted to be operated upon by
the thumbs, it is possible to arrive at a total of forty millions less 4 units. Before
or after the number, can be placed as an annotation the word " number or some
other suitable expression which does not necessitate a supplementary traverse or
passage of the fingers over the keys; in this manner the numerical expressions or
indications can never be confounded with the others; and, as will be readily under-
stood, by two blows or strokes absolutely similar to those which the reproduction
of a syllable demands, it is possible to indicate from three main figures nearly all
those which follow after a thousand etc. The employment of the cipher is unne.
cessary for the reason that, as the various categories always occupy the position set
apart for them, a cipher which is wanting or deficient at any point or place is
readily taken into account.
"
It has been stated above that this numerical theory will have a certain importance;
in practice if the word "number" in front of the figure indicated is replaced by any
other suitable expression such, for instance, as the word "phrase as in this case
"
it is simply necessary to peruse the keys once for all; this same classification as
applied to numerical expressions can also serve in the reproduction of polysyllabic
words of great length; it will be readily perceived to what extent it is possible
to obtain information from a classification of signs or indications which is so
extended and which it is so easy to retain in the memory. To all appearances,
moreover, it seems. that it will not be impossible by reason of this advantage
accruing from the said invention to compile or form a kind of catalogue of all the
forms of speech, locutions, or polysyllabic words which are in frequent use in the
various dialects or languages according to a well considered plan. There remains
a great deal to be effected with regard to this project in order to reduce and
considerably abridge or shorten this system of writing. Thus, persons who have
a good memory can very quickly and very correctly understand the meaning
between a series of words and numbers which are unconnected-Moreover it
frequently happens that by substituting numbers for words it is possible to obtain
by two blows that which would otherwise require even three, four, five or more
blows under the ordinary circumstances. But the principal abbreviations, which
even render unnecessary all the others, are those which persons but little acquainted
with the keyboard can make themselves by simply reducing the polysyllabic
words to two syllables not containing more than five letters each. This is a
method of abbreviation which is already well understood and apparently becomes
natural and which is effected spontaneously after a little practice; this method by
reason of its simplicity presents itself as being the most advantageous for the
reason that it is possible to understand what there is missing in a long word in
which it is not possible to make some syllabic conversion so as to reduce it to a
bisyllabic, or nearly bisyllabic, expression.

page_text: The whole of the five independent alphabets above referred to can likewise be
employed or introduced in another manner in order to suit languages in which.
there is an abundance of initial consonants and final double syllabics, the part of
the vowels being always sufficiently developed to respond or answer to all the
elements which enter at present into the different European languages.
'
The forty two terms or indications amongst the sixty three which the thumbs
are capable of expressing or denoting, as already explained, comprise the six vowels
a, e, i, o, u, and y and their thirty six respective diphthongs; there still remains,
therefore, twenty one terms or indications which can be appropriated to the
triphthongs, whenever the language spoken contains the same.
Considering forty one terms or indications of the other four respective series as
independent alphabets, consisting of consonauts only, the first and the second
series representing the initial consonants and the fourth and fifth series the final
consonants, it is possible to retain constantly in action, from one to six letters, in
the form which is most suitable to the vocalization which generally gives rise to
extensive complications in the other systems.
It now remains to be observed that, if it is desired to reproduce syllables having
three or more initial consonants, as it is impossible to indicate by one stroke or
blow more than two of each kind, it is necessary, in reading, to consider the initial
consonants unaccompanied by a vowel and occupying a position to the left as
appertaining to the following line arranged below, and the final or surplus
indications which are found by themselves to the right, as forming part of the
preceding line, or line above--The same remarks apply in the consideration of
double letters, herein before referred to, but in this case it is necessary to proceed
letter by letter.
Persons having very short hands can eliminate, in this system of syllables, the
first and twelfth keys which correspond to the little fingers and the fore fingers on
both sides; they, in this case, operate with the thumb thus completing the fifteen
keys. There, therefore, remain but twenty three consonants, as initial consonants
in each of the two first series; these, however, are adequate. There remains the
same number of final syllabic consonants in the fourth and fifth series, and the
sixty three terms or indications under the control of the thumbs remain without
change in so far as their relation to the vowels is concerned
All that is deemed essential or useful, to permit the adaptation of the key board
to various languages to be rea lily understood, has been described above.
Now with regard to the tachygraphic formula which are further developed it is
simply necessary to consider that which is strictly necessary for clearness of the
language, for even a keyboard containing twenty keys (amongst which the twelfth,
thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth keys are arranged in the same manner as in the
keyboard herein before described, whilst in the place of the eleven remaining keys
there are only six keys to the right and left) can be substituted for that containing
thirty keys, serving then simply to reproduce the essential elements of the syllables
or of the speech or discourse according to the formulæ indicated above. It is then
necessary to consider the twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth keys as if they
carried the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth keys and to understand in the
arrangement above mentioned that the service of the little fingers of each hand
are dispensed with in so far as concerns the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and
sixth keys, The ten keys numbered twelve, fourteen, sixteen, eighteen and twenty,
that is to say, five keys manipulated by the two hands at the same time, as well as
the new arrangement of the keyboard in general, serve as a base for a great number
of other tachygraphic formula.
In the formula containing ten keys there are in reality two alphabets containing
thirty indications terms or signs since under the control of each hand, in addition
to the five simple signs or indications (one for each finger) there are ten binary
combinations, ten ternaries, five quaternaries and one quinary; this will be readily
understood if it is considered that the little finger and the thumb of each hand
serve as starting points for the first five numbers as they follow each other in the
:

page_text: proper manner, that is to say, 1, then 2, then 3, then 4 and then 5 (touched
successively by the other fingers). This observation and the consideration of the
numerical table given below will confirm the above assertion. This table for the
two hands comprises, as simple terms or indications, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; as binary terms
or indications 12, 13, 14, 15, 23, 24, 25, 34, 35, 45; as ternary terms or
indications 123, 124, 125, 134, 135, 145, 234, 235, 245, 345; as.quaternary terms
or indications 1234, 1235, 1245, 1345, 2345; and as a quinary term
indication 12345,
or.
Any person is at liberty to designate or denote by these thirty one digital
combinations of each hand the letters desired, either in the manner in which they
follow each other in the alphabet or by classifying or arranging them in any other
suitable order. Nineteen simple syllabic generators are arranged at the disposal
of the left hand, ten proceeding from the five letters g, k, b, p, and f each capable of
being combined with the letter or the letter r; then the two signs or indications
for the letter t and the letter d which can likewise be combined with the letter
and the letter thereby providing nineteen signs or indications which as herein
'described can be considered as compound syllabic generators.
Under the control of the right hand there are five independent vowels as a
simple syllabic complement, in addition to the combinations of each of these vowels,
with each of the five final consonants most generally used, namely, the letters l, n,
r, 8, and 2, as a compound syllabic complement.
I will now proceed to explain the formula when twelve keys are employed. In
this case there commences a delineation in a rudimentary manner of the three
constituent elements of the syllables, since any one whatever of the subordinate
fingers except the ring finger has control over two keys; the thumb has under its
control two other keys and the other fingers each control the movement of one
key; there are thus provided not only the two alphabets above referred to which
the keyboard presents to the ten keys and which permit the production of sixty
three different combinations, hereinbefore enumerated, but also three independent
vowels arising from two keys under the control of the thumbs, and sometimes
employed separately or combined in a single expression The philosophical principle
being given upon which was commenced the description of natural syllabication.
proceeding equally with the movement of the fingers it results that in the actual.
condition or state of the art of tachygraphy the reading of that which is written
according to my system is easy for all persons, without necessitating any tedious
preparation, and that on the other hand this writing even, devoid of all
complications, is accessible to persons of all classes and even to children; all will
readily learn to manage the formula correctly and in a well regulated manner and
to follow the manifestations of the voice in all their phases of velocity. The two
supplementary keys namely those under the control of the two thumbs, in the
formula hereinafter given, indicate an asterisk and not a special number term or
indication, the numbers hereinbefore mentioned forming the permanent base for
the expression of the letters, which is only diversified when the special method of
writing which forms the object of the formula in question is applied.
I will now proceed to explain the formula when 14 keys are employed. I have
spoken at sufficient length with regard to the two preceding formulæ, to enable a
person to deduce the rules, analagous to the rest, which apply to the formula;
these rules are as follows, that is to say-In this case it suffices to state that two
fingers (the little finger and the thumb) are each designed to actuate two keys and
the other fingers each operate a single key, being placed correlatively on leaving
the first key in such a manner that the thumbs will be found to act upon the sixth
and the ninth keys. In this formula containing one hundred and twenty seven
terms or indications for each hand are determined the thirty one numerical phases.
already known, as they were explained in the part of the specification relating.
to the formula when ten keys are employed, with the five internal keys and the
remainder (that is to say, its triplicity) and with the two external keys, namely, the
first and the ninth keys, acting in turn either independently of each other or in pairs
1

page_text: by being moved together. The fact, however, of having one hundred and twenty.
seven terms or indications causes it to be inferred that there are present forty one
initial consonants or syllabic generators for the left hand and there still remains
three terms and twenty three final consonants for the right hand, of which each sets
forth the five vowels a, e, i, o, u in such a manner that there remains in all twelve
terms for the independent vowels, that which constitutes the syllabic generator and
complement, or in other words the most rapid or transient human speech interpreted
or construed by the fingers and even should it become necessary to repeat a blow in
order to obtain a well defined double vowel it is also possible to vaguely indicate
its presence by a single blow by employing for this purpose one of the two means
which the system of generator consonants affords. An equal or even manipulation
is so expeditious that one cannot but appreciate the advantages that are
presented with respect to all languages in general that are copied by means of
tachygraphy.
I will now proceed to describe the formula when sixteen keys are employed. By
placing the thumbs on their keys, namely the eighth ninth and tenth keys, and
considering the sixty three terms or indications which they produce as vowel
expressions, we reserve as initial and final consonants the thirty one terms capable
of being produced by any five keys of the seven collateral keys which are under
the control of the other four fingers of the two hands, the fore-fingers, the middle
fingers, and the little fingers having each two keys under their control and the other
fingers a single key only; if, as in the preceding example, there is assigned to the
ring fingers a single key only and to the other fingers two keys, there will remain
for the initial consonants five keys subject to the action of the three fingers which
precede the fore-finger and two keys for those which produce the liquid letters
and r; with respect to the final consonant, as the right hand has a similar band, or.
strip of paper, the two keys under the control of the fore-finger or preferably those
under the control of the little finger can with their three terms be employed for
participle terminations or for the various tenses of the infinitive mood or serve for
other tachygraphic uses at the convenience of persons skilled in this art.
I will now describe the formula when eighteen keys are employed. In this case the
three syllabic parts being symmetrical, that is to say, comprising an equal number of
keys, six for the initial consonants, six for the vowels and six for the final consonants,
if the thumbs are placed as previously described and the other fingers in such a
manner that the little fingers and the fore-fingers have each two keys under their
control, and the remaining fingers of each band one key, each, and assuming that
each group produces sixty three terms or indications, five letters are at disposal,
which letters permit the production of the most rapid syllabic utterances.
I will now describe the formula when twenty keys are employed. It has already.
been stated with reference to the formula when ten keys are employed and in
which each hand has the control of five of such keys, that two alphabets of thirty.
one terms can be realized. If then each hand is adapted to control ten keys it is
possible to obtain four similar alphabets. The two thumbs having each the control
of three keys, and the fore-fingers the control of two keys, the two inner alphabets:
are produced; then the little fingers and the middle fingers each controlling two.
keys and the ring fingers each controlling one key only produce the two outer.
alphabets.
This formula comprising four alphabets containing thirty one independent terms.
or indications is especially advantageous in the production, by one or two blows or
strokes, of all the letters which it is desired to pronounce in a syllable; the right:
hand serves to produce the second blow for the reason that, if the syllable expressed
does not exceed seven letters, although the left hand intervenes with its second
group, the first group remains clear and it is possible to read very readily and
without any confusion the syllables of two lines not exceeding six or seven letters.
The languages in which suffices a simple and compound syllabic generator of
thirty one terms, with two vowels and a final consonant, can employ the fourth.

page_text: group as terminations; thus the tachygraphical denotations effected can be derived
with great advantages from this group.
Each of these methods has naturally a special scale for reading, according to the
manner in which the passage of the paper takes place; thus in the first formula
(that is to say, that containing double meanings) the indeterminate marks or
characters in relief upon the paper coincide in the spaces with the other different
characteristic indications, which indicate the meaning of the terms or indications
that it is desired to translate or construe.
The punctuation can always be effected in a general manner and to any extent;
for this purpose the terms or indications are chosen which are not met with in the
language spoken and it is thus possible to denote a comma, a semicolon and the
like, as they are found in ordinary writing, to meet the exigencies of orthography.
Finally in this system of writing the whole of the operations proceed in the
same measure, as the speaking, and although it would appear that confusion might
result from the fact that there is no separation between each word, there is no such
confusion in reality, since it suffices for a person to be conversant with a language
to distinguish, at the moment desired, if a certain syllable belongs to some other
syllable or whether it should be separated from it It is, however, advantageous, to
facilitate the writing, to draw fine pencil lines beneath the last syllable of each
group (or of each word) this method presenting an advantage in cases where it is
necessary to read over again, or repeat quickly, that which has been said.
The following may be taken as general observations. To better understand that
which has been said above and that which follows, it will be well to recall to mind
what has been explained at the commencement of this specification, that is to say,
that the two alphabets assigned to the thirty keys in the first formula concern the
double meanings representing perfectly the elementary diapason of the voice (or
speech) of all languages in general, whatever may be the rapidity or the brevity
with which they are spoken, should the five special letters, which can always be
expressed in conformity with the order above indicated for these alphabets, be
considered as of a single tense, and, as expressions of two tenses, those which are
increased either on the part of the vowels forming the base of the syllable, or on the
part of the collateral consonants.
By this law or rule respecting the syllables, which results from the observations
and the explanation on the aforesaid key-board containing thirty keys, the operations
which correspond to them are proved and it is easy to understand all other
manipulations whatsoever.
There are still two other very simple methods of reproducing a syllable, that is
to say: The two first series (twelve keys of a keyboard containing thirty keys)
and the twenty two reciprocal combinations of these twelve keys forin together
thirty five terms or indications; any one of these twelve keys and one also of the
combinations can be produced by that finger of the four subordinate fingers of the
left hand which is best suited for and nearest to such a key or combination;
the same thing can take place in the fourth and fifth series relatively to the four
corresponding fingers of the right hand. In this case languages such as the Spanish
and similar languages have their syllabic generators either simple or compound in
the first part, where more complicated languages have only a simple generator; in
the second part the Spanish has its syllabic complement and the other idioms their
final consonants less combined.
In the Spanish the solution of a diphthong is found in one of the six keys under
the control of the thumbs; the other idioms having a greater extension will also
form part of the sixty three terms or indications which the thumbs can produce
with their six keys for the various phases which such syllabic part demands.
The thirty five double terms or indications serving as initials and as finals if they
do not suffice for the exigencies of a strongly developed language, can be applied
in concurrence with the terms of the key, twelve appertaining to the fore-finger,
with the pluralty of terms which the other three preceding fingers can realize by

page_text: reproducing their first movements; and if desired the part of the vowels can be
considered as was done in the formula for the double meanings. As the little,
fingers and the ring fingers are the most difficult to cause to act promptly and
well, there is a particular means of evading them in the reproduction of syllables,.
which consists in the maintenance of the second and fourth series under the control
of the middle finger and the fore-finger, the second series as an initial consonant.
and the fourth as a final consonant, the thumbs governing the element of the vowels
in their various phases.
In the keyboard containing thirty keys, moreover, the three first series of the left
hand should be considered as the three attributive parts of a syllable, the first and
the third as the initial and final consonants and the second as the vowel; the other
two series should serve respectively for the terminations and for the punctuation.
the whole being arranged to be operated by a single movement; there remain to
be added the combinations of the forty one terms of the said two last series between
them, for the conventional words or to figure alone, without conjunction, that is to
say, exclusively and independently upon a single horizontal line.
In cases where it is desired to reproduce elementary voice (or speech) with.
its prosodial property, at one time, it is simply necessary to assign the initial
syllabic consonant to the first series, the first vowel to to the second series, the
second vowel to the fourth series and the final consonant to the fifth series, the
thumbs thus remaining free and being able with their six keys to be employed, three
for the different accents and the other three for the intonations of admiration and
interrogation, and also the apostrophe and as the pauses allow the time necessary to
effect independent expressions, a method is obtained which permits speech to be.
retraced, as it may be stated, with isochronism in all its most essential attributions..
and produces a faithful interpretation. The keyboard containing thirty keys can,
moreover, serve for the same purposes as that containing twenty two or twenty.
keys. To this end I provide two metallic pieces, which, being attached to each
pair of the keys on the interior part of the case or box of the keyboard, connect the
said keys, whilst those which are not required to produce an impression or
indication can be without a stamp or punch.
With regard to the first formula concerning the double meanings it may be.
observed that the letter w of the English language is considered not only as a
consonant but also as a vowel; in fact by considering it as such it is very easy to
indicate it each time that it occurs in a syllable even if the formulæ of the key-
board have no special term for that letter. As it is easy to diversify the twenty
five collateral consonants with the vowels, it is also easy to accompany each of the
twenty five terms of the left hand by the said letter w and to cause it to precede
each of those of the right hand.
It will be understood that there are practically twelve or thirteen letters of one or
of two keys representing respectively in each half of the keyboard the twenty five
initial and syllabic final consonants of which the formula is now well understood.
Inasmuch as each of the first nine letters of a key (from the extremities up to the
centre) is preceded by the combination rrj(which the fore-fingers produce), and as
each of the three letters rr-m-j is accompanied by the expression d-l-r produced
by the middle fingers, it results that, for the twelve initial consonants, the w should
be placed after the consonant and for the twelve finals before the consonant.
Each of the nine letters, amongst the thirteen produced by two keys, can be
preceded by the combination mj; the c and the q can be preceded by t, d, and this
latter combination t d being placed after each of the letters nf, it is possible
to indicate the windependently of the character of the vowel on each side with
any group whatever, such as r r r m or r r m j.
It is advantageous, in some cases, to arrange two keyboards, having thirty keys, at
the disposition of persons having fingers sufficiently long to obviate confusions
between the keys, when it is desired to combine them very rapidly. With this
object in view I construct another keyboard similar to that above described but in
which the keys are like the black keys of a piano, thereby creating a distinction

page_text: between the said keys and preventing, at the same time, the ends of the fingers from
acting upon the keys contiguous to those which it is desired to strike.
->
In some cases I construct a keyboard in which the width of of the keys is
considerably increased without, however, changing their number or the space which
the whole of them occupy. In this manner the above described accidental
confusions are rendered impossible unless the hands are not very delicate or used
to manipulating the keys. The sixth and seventh keys of two manipulators can be.
arranged as follows, that is to say-The sixth key below the first key, in which case,
the said keys will occupy a similar position to the second and third keys, and the
seventh key or the twelfth at the lower part of the adjacent tenth and eleventh
keys, and as the greatest space of which it is thus possible to dispose can be split
up between an equal number of keys it is evident that the width of each of
them is relatively greater than that which they possessed prior to this arrangement.
In this manner keys are provided which are as wide as the white keys of a piano-
forte; this is all that is necessary and all that can be desired for the last terms.
These modifications do not necessitate any alterations in the formula respecting the
double meanings.
Having thus fully described the said invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent and the manner of performing the same I wish it understood
that I claim
First. The above described correlated arrangement of the removable key boards
in combination with a series of levers for actuating the punches which, according
to requirement, may be made to produce dots, signs, numbers or letters in relief,
whereby the whole series of syllabic formulæ herein before described can be
represented.
Second. The mechanism for producing the syllabic formulæ mi, bi, tri, sub-
stantially as set forth..
Third The mechanism for effecting the regular movement of the cylinders which
propel the paper, the said mechanism being arranged to operate substantially as set
forth.
Fourth-The above described method of winding the paper on the said cylinders,
for the purpose specified.
Fifth The employment of the reading scale in combination with the other parts
of the apparatus, substantially as set forth
In witness whereof I the said Henry Harris Lake have hereunto set my
hand and seal this thirty first day of January in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and eighty three
TIENDY IT TA
HENRY H
HLA
KE (L.S.)