Certain classes of machines were supplied for the use of students, generally old models in more or less dilapidated condition. In fact, anything in the shape of a typewriter was thought to be good enough for students to practice on. In those days a student was introduced to the typewriter somewhat in this fashion: "Here is the So-and-so typewriter—the machine you have to practice on. You place your paper in so, move on to the next line thus, draw your carriage back in this way, strike the space bar like that; the keys with the letters on them are there; you make your capitals so; now use one or two fingers of each hand in writing; here's something to copy; now practice, and do your best." And that was all the instruction the pupil received! Was it a wonder that he struck the keys heavily and experienced difficulty? Is it to be marveled at that printers went so far as to print imitations of typewriting, with one letter above the line of writing and the next one below? The standard of instruction was low and poor work and poor typewriting was the natural result.
The business man demanded something better, and in due course he obtained it. The standard of typewriting was raised. More attention is now devoted to the teaching of typewriting because the business man is naturally a better judge of good typewriting than of shorthand. The employer can only judge of the qualities of his stenographer, or typist, by the
