Donkin and Bacon contrived a
machine in 1813, in which the types were placed on a revolving
prism. One of them was made for the University of Cambridge, but
it was found too complicated; the inking was defective; and the
project was abandoned.
In 1816, Mr. Cowper obtained a patent (No.3974) entitled," A
Method of Printing Paper for Paper Hangings, and Other Purposes."
The principal feature of this invention consisted in the curving
or bending of stereotype plates for the purpose of being printed
in that form. A number of machines for printing in two colours,
in exact register, was made for the Bank of England, and four
millions of One Pound notes were printed before the Bank
Directors determined to abolish their further issue. The regular
mode of producing stereotype plates, from plaster of Paris
moulds, took so much time, that they could not then be used for
newspaper printing.
Two years later, in 1818, Mr. Cowper invented and patented (No.
4194) his great improvements in printing. It may be mentioned
that he was then himself a printer, in partnership with Mr.
Applegath, his brother-in-law. His invention consisted in the
perfect distribution of the ink, by giving end motion to the
rollers, so as to get a distribution crossways, as well as
lengthways. This principle is at the very foundation of good
printing, and has been adopted in every machine since made.
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