Machine Composition

The development of a working composing machine was among the most difficult problems to solve in the history of technology. Inventors attempted to liberate themselves with the thought of supersending the hand process by mechanically assembling cast type from the foundry together in rows. This breakthrough succeeded.

In general one distinguishes between linecasting and single-type composing machines. In the former, the matrices are assembled line-wise and teh line (called a slug) is cast in one piece.

The most important of these are the 'Typograph', the 'Linotype' with auciliary side magazines (Model 18) and a particular rarity, perhaps the only surviving example, the 'Victorline'.

There is also an American 'Ludlow' and a strip-casting 'Elrod' machine for leads, clumps or slugs.