IMPROVEMENTS IN AUTOGRAPHIC PRINTING
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Josiah Pumphrey, of Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN AUTOGRAPHIC
PRINTING."
Sealed the 18th May 1877, and dated the 6th March 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Josiah Pumphrey at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th March 1877.
JOSIAH PUMPHREY, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Manufacturer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN AUTOGRAPHIC PRINTING."
This Invention relates to the production and multiplication of copies of writings
or drawings by means of autographic printing.
According to this Invention the original writing or drawing is made or produced
by means of an ink (of the description herein-after mentioned) having special pro-
perties as to divisibility, to non-liability to run or spread in the presence of moisture,
and to the permeation of the paper or surface written on. This peculiar ink is
compounded by dissolving aniline crystals (of the color the ink is required) in
acetic acid and adding thereto a small per centage (say about 10°) of glycerine.
The writing or drawing having been produced with this ink, when dry is placed
with its inked surface downwards on a zinc plate (the surface of which has been
previously dressed with glass or emery paper so as to give it an evenly and finely
scratched surface); a sheet of paper uniformly damped is then placed upon it, and is
covered with a waterproof sheet to prevent exudation of wet or moisture. They
are then all together subjected to pressure in any ordinary copying press giving an
even and continuous pressure until the ink from the original writing or drawing
penetrates to the sheet of paper above it and reproduces thereon a counterpart or
copy of the original. This copy is then removed and a fresh sheet of paper
substituted, and the same operations are continuously repeated until the ink from
the original writing or drawing is exhausted or ceases to give perfect copies.
The application of this Invention is not confined to the use of ordinary paper or
ordinary pens.

page_text: In another modification I prepare a paper with a surface dressed with a varnish
which is brittle under pressure, and I write with the above described ink thereupon,
using a glass or other tube, or any suitable vehicle for conveying the ink, pressing
therewith sufficiently to rupture the surface of the paper in the direction of the
lines of the writing, drawing, or other device. I then proceed with the duplication
or copying thereof as above described, and when the ink is about exhausted or in
aid of its replenishment, I supply fresh color by means of a pad.
The advantages derived from the adoption of these improvements as compared
with other processes of autographic printing consist in simplicity of operation,
economy of printing color, an increased production or number of copies, and economy
of time, as there are no intermediate operations necessary between writing the
original and printing the copies.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Josiah Pumphrey in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 29th
August 1877.
JOSIAH PUMPHREY, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Manufacturer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN AUTOGRAPHIC PRINTING."
This Invention relates to the more simple and economical production and multi-
plication of copies of writings or drawings by means of autographic printing.
According to this Invention the original writing or drawing is to be made or
produced by means of an ink (of the description herein-after mentioned) having
special or peculiar properties as to divisibility, to non-liability to run or spread in
the presence of moisture, and to the permeation of the paper or surface written or
drawn on. This peculiar ink is compounded by dissolving aniline crystals (of the
colour the ink is required) in acetic acid, or in other suitable solvents that will effect
the same purpose, and I then add thereto a sinall per-centage (say, about ten per
cent.) of glycerine.
The writing or drawing having been made or produced with this particular
description of ink when dry, is placed with its ink surface downwards on a zinc
plate, or other impermeable substance; a sheet of paper uniformly damped is then
placed upon it, and is covered with a waterproof sheet to prevent the exudation, of
wet or moisture therefrom. They are then altogether subjected to pressure in any
ordinary copying press that will give an even and continuous pressure, until the
ink from the original writing or drawing penetrates to the sheet of paper above it
and reproduces thereon, a counterpart or copy of the original. This copy is then
removed and a fresh sheet of paper substituted, and the same operations are con-
tinuously repeated until the ink from the original writing or drawing is exhausted
or ceases to give perfect copies.
The application of this Invention is not confined to the use of ordinary paper or
ordinary pens.
In another modification I prepare a paper with a surface dressed with a varnish
which is brittle under pressure, and I write with the above described ink there-
upon, using a glass or other tube, or any suitable vehicle or instrument for convey-
ing the ink, pressing therewith sufficiently to rupture the surface of the paper in
the direction of the lines of the writing, drawing, or other device. I then proceed
with the duplication or copying thereof as above described, and when the ink-is
about exhausted, or in aid of its replenishment, I supply fresh color by means of
a pad.
The advantages that can be derived from the adoption of these improvements as
compared with other processes of autographic printing consist in the great simplicity
of the operations, in economy of printing colour, in an increased production or
number of copies, and in great economy of time, as there are no intermediate opera-
tions necessary between writing the original and printing the copies.

page_text: Having now described the nature and object of my said Invention, together with
the manner in which the same is to be or may be performed or carried into practical
effect, I would remark in conclusion, that I claim as my Invention the novel and
peculiar improvements in the simple production and increased multiplication of
copies of writings, drawings, or other like devices by means of autographic printing
in the manner substantially as described, and also the composition and use of the
novel and peculiar description of ink herein-before described for carrying into effect
the objects of the Invention.
In witness whereof, I, the said Josiah Pumphrey, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
Witness,
JOHN KENDRICK.
JOSIAH PUMPHREY. (L.S.)