The Linotype and Monotype machines were two types of typesetting machines used in the printing industry before the advent of digital typesetting.
The Linotype machine, invented by Ottmar Mergenthaler in the late 19th century, was a mechanical device that revolutionized typesetting. It automated the process of creating lines of type by casting entire lines of metal type from molten lead. Here's how it worked:
1. The operator would start by typing the text on a keyboard similar to a typewriter. Each key corresponded to a specific character or symbol.
2. As the operator typed, brass matrices with the corresponding characters would fall into place.
3. Once a line was completed, a mold known as a "matrix case" was filled with the selected matrices.
4. Molten lead was then poured into the mold, which formed a solid line of type.
5. The line of type was then cooled, and the matrices were returned to their original positions for reuse.
The Linotype machine was faster than manual typesetting, as it could produce lines of type much more quickly. This made it possible to print newspapers and books at a much faster rate.
On the other hand, the Monotype machine, invented by Tolbert Lanston, used a different approach. It allowed for the creation of individual characters, rather than entire lines of type. Here's how it worked:
1. The operator would type the desired text on a keyboard, similar to the Linotype machine.
2. The keyboard would create a perforated paper tape with holes representing each character.
3. This tape would then be fed into a separate casting machine.
4. The machine would read the tape and select the corresponding matrices from a storage system.
5. Each selected matrix would be individually cast into a type slug using molten metal, such as lead.
6. The completed type slugs could be assembled into lines manually.
The Monotype machine provided greater flexibility, as it allowed for easy corrections and adjustments. It was particularly useful for jobs that required smaller quantities or frequent changes in typefaces.
In summary, the Linotype machine automated the process of casting entire lines of type from molten lead, while the Monotype machine allowed for the creation of individual characters. Both machines played a crucial role in the printing industry before the digital era, increasing efficiency and productivity.