The Intertype composing machine, intro duced in 1913, is manufactured on the expired patents of Ottmar Mergenthaler, combined with many modern improvements. The operator manipulates a keyboard of 90 keys, and matrices are arranged in lines, automatically spread to column measure, and carried to the mold, where a line-slug is automatically cast,. while the matrices are returned to their original position by an automatic distributor. Either the matrices supplied by the manufacturer or Linotype mat rices may be used. One standard machine is built, on the unit principle, to which every im provement can be added by the purchase of more units. Thus the purchaser of a low-priced machine does not have to discard it to secure the conveniences of the higher-priced machines. From one- to three-magazine machines are made, and the one-magazine machine is readily changed into a three-magazine outfit, which will supply 540 characters from the one key board. A simple lever movement brings a new magazine to operating position. The Intertype is remarkable for its scientific design and the small number of parts used in its construction; the escapement has only two parts. All Inter
types produce from 5 to 36 point body, and 5 to 30 ems pica measure.
The Linograph machine is manufactured in Davenport, Iowa. It is very similar to the 1900 style of Linotype, plus a number of modern additions. It is designed• to supply the needs of the small newspaper desiring a low-priced machine. The Stringer composing-machine sup plies a product either in single type or in line slugs, at the choice of the operator. It was brought out in England in 1914, and is not yet in general use. Several inventors have tried to produce a one-man machine that would cast and set single type at one operation, at a speed commercially profitable. Such a machine is theoretically possible. The Goodson, Wicks, Pierson and other type-casting and setting machines have been developed more or less ex perimentally, at great expense, but have not found general sale. The Wicks machine cast type at a speed of 60,000 an hour, and was used for some years on a London newspaper.
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Consult John S. Thompson's 'The History of Composing Machines,) C. H. Cochrane's 'Mod ern Industrial Progress) and the files of the American Printer and Inland Printer.