Take, as an instance, the process of copying letters. Some firms use the vertical filing system, or a variation of it, the fundamental principle of which is that a carbon copy of each outgoing letter is taken by the typist at the same time as when the original is written, the copy being filed with the correspondence relative to the affairs of this particular client or customer. The system has much to recommend it. The disadvantages appear to be twofold. In the first place it is not always certain that corrections made in the original letter will likewise be made in the carbon copy ; secondly, the production of a carbon copy of a letter in a court of justice as proof of claim may not be accepted as legal evidence.
Machines have been invented which combine the virtues of the old fashioned screw press with the rapidity of operation essential in these days. These devices differ in detail but achieve their results in much the same way. The letters are fed through endless rolls of prepared paper, and as fast as the crank is turned the copies are made. A knife automatically perforates the sheets, which are afterwards bound on a loose leaf file or filed with as the user desires. These rapid machines have undoubtedly done much to lessen.the burden of correspondence, and in consequence are being widely adopted.
The task of envelope addressing is one which ordinarily cuts into a good deal of time in cases where much of this is done. The typist has, until recently, found it necessary to insert eachnvelope separately in the cylinder of the typewriter, fix it in position, type out the name and address, and then remove it. A device has lately been invented which lessens this labour con siderably, the contrivance taking the form of an endless band attached to the ordinary typewriter. Envelopes for addressing are placed in a hopper behind the apparatus and are picked up in turn by small flap pockets, carried to the writing point and released automatically as the addressing is completed. The typist by means of this device is able to address a number of envelopes con secutively, and is spared the trouble of fixing and removing the single envelopes. The envelope-addressing attachment can be fixed on or removed from the typewriter quickly, thus leaving the machine free for ordinary work.
The folding of letters and advertising material has always been a heavy task for the mailing staff dealing with a large correspondence. One of the latest machines for facilitating folding stands about 18 inches high, and weighs complete, with all parts and motor, about 90 lbs. It can be driven from any electric light fitting, and uses about the same amount of power as a 16 candle-power light. This machine automatically feeds, folds, counts, and
stacks from 6000 to 9000 sheets per hour. It takes paper of all kinds and thicknesses, and of sizes ranging from 5 by 5 inches to 12 by 12 inches, and it gives as many as twenty-seven different characters of folds. This number covers almost every conceivable commercial fold in use, including bookbinders' tips, the square or baronial fold, and folded forms for the " Window " or " Outlook " envelope. All these folds are done on one machine, the machine being fitted with three interchangeable attachments which can be placed or displaced without the aid of tools.
In a similar way the tiresome and unpleasant process of envelope sealing can be accomplished by hand-operated automatic machines, according to the size of the mail ordinarily dealt with. An ingenious (and cheap) hand operated device, for example, moistens the envelope flap and presses it down in one motion. This apparatus carries the water supply in a rubber fountain in the handle, where a slight pressure of the thumb brings down just enough water to properly moisten the pad. Over the felt pad, and attached to the handle, is a metal projection that presses the envelope flap down after it has been moistened.
A splendid time-saver in the dispatch of the mail is the " Window" or " Outlook " envelope. This envelope is made with a small section of the front piece cut out and a transparency substituted therefor, the transparency being of course fixed to the envelope and an integral part of it. The peculiar advantage of this envelope is that it needs no addressing; the name and location of the addressee is typed on the missive enclosed, and the same is then folded so that the name and address can be easily read through the window section. Another advantage possessed by this envelope is that it is of course impossible for communications to be misdirected.
The " Window " envelope is not ordinarily used for correspondence, but is particularly adapted for the dispatch of invoices, statements, and advertising matter. The envelopes cost a little more than the ordinary variety, but this is more than compensated by the economy in time and service.
In America the task of stamp affixing is often borne by automatic machines containing stamps in rolls which are fed, moistened, and affixed automatically. In Great Britain these machines are not used at present largely by reason of the action of the Post Office authorities. The 'American Post Office autho cities have already commenced manufacturing stamps in strips for use with these devices, but the British Post Office authorities, according to the latest advices, have not yet decided whether they will do this or not.