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The International Exhibition: Mitchel's type-distributing machine, 1862. Creator: Unknown
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The International Exhibition: Mitchel's type-distributing machine, 1862. Creator: Unknown
The International Exhibition: Mitchel's type-distributing machine, 1862. The distributor is a small machine of circular form. The lines of type to be distributed are placed successively in a long channel, in which they are pressed forward towards a vibrating metal finger. By this finger each type is separated from the line, pushed aside, and dropped on to a grooved brass wheel revolving horizontally. In the grooves of this wheel pins are placed, on which the types are hung by means of nicks, the ends of the types projecting below the under surface of the wheel at distances varying according to the position of the nicks. As each letter arrives over its receptacle it is lifted off its pin and dropped into its place, being pushed a little forward to make way for the next arrival. When the line is filled in this way it is removed by the boy to the compositor. The distributor is self-acting and requires only the attention of a boy. It distributes 8000 letters per hour'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862
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Media ID 35125287
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1862 International Exhibition Child Labour Cultural Event Exposition Great London Exposition Industrial Revolution International Exhibition Of 1862 Invention Machine Machinery Manufacturing Mechanisation Media Industry Patent Patented Trade Fair Type World Fair Worlds Fair Illustrated London News White And Black
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing photograph captures the innovative Mitchel's type-distributing machine, showcased at The International Exhibition in 1862. The distributor, a small, circular device, revolutionized the process of typesetting by automating the distribution of typeset letters into composing lines. The machine functions through a long channel where lines of typeset letters are pressed forward towards a vibrating metal finger. As each letter is separated from the line, it is pushed aside and dropped onto a grooved brass wheel revolving horizontally. Pins are placed in the wheel's grooves, and each letter hangs from these pins with its ends projecting below the wheel's surface at varying distances, depending on the position of the nicks. As each letter arrives over its receptacle, it is lifted off its pin and dropped into place, making way for the next letter. The filled line is then removed by a boy to the compositor. The self-acting distributor could distribute an impressive 8,000 letters per hour, significantly increasing the efficiency of the typesetting process. The photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the technological advancements of the 19th century, and the impact of the type-distributing machine on the printing industry. Despite the unknown creator, this image remains an essential piece of history, showcasing the ingenuity and innovation that characterized the period.
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