lley press, hand
press, modern curved-surface machines, automatic proofing machines,
self-feeding and self-inking. These also include proof rollers, ink
tables, shelves for proof paper, and receptacles for benzine or
other type-washing liquids.

In addition to the foregoing brief summary there are numerous other
items of composing-room equipment, large and small, provided for the
particular needs of the work carried on in the place. Many of these
items, however, are not in extensive use, as in many places the needs
they would serve might not warrant the expense of their installation.
The specialties of the printing industry nowadays affect the
composing-room as well as the other departments.

A particular article which is useful and profitable in one place may be
quite superfluous and an unnecessary expense in another. The kind and
quantity of the work done in any workroom usually governs the kind and
the extent of the equipment provided--making allowance always for the
customary variation in individual judgment and the proprietor's ability
to purchase.

There is a wide range of choice from a plain wooden double stand with
two pairs of cases, at which two persons may work, costing six to ten
dollars, to a latest pattern steel working cabinet, also providing for
only two workers, costing one hundred dollars, or even more.

There are, however, certain articles and facilities fundamentally
necessary to carry on the work of a composing room. The particular form
of these--whether simple and inexpensive or elaborate and costly--is a
question for the proprietor or manager to consider.

The articles of furniture classified under items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, in
the foregoing list, are those treated in this book; those referred to in
item 7, Imposing Tables and Lock-Up Appliances, being considered in a
separate volume (No. 4). Proof Presses, item 8, are also treated in a
separate book (No. 5).

COMPOSING-ROOM FURNITURE

_Early Type Cases_

Probably the first article which Gutenberg and his co-workers provided,
after their types were cast, was a tray with small compartments for
holding the various letters of the font, so that each letter, as it was
required for composing, could be readily selected. There may not have
been a composing stick used at first, it is reasonable to suppose, as it
was quite feasible for the types to be assembled in lines directly into
the frames in which they were held d