The Stenograph was invented by Miles Bartholomew, a newspaper reporter, who patented his invention in 1879. His Stenograph was the first mechanical printing machine for shorthand.
The model shown here is one of only three known examples (along with serial numbers 55 and 79) of the first manufactured design form of the Bartholomew Stenograph. It is distinguished by being mounted on a hardwood base, with later models featuring a cast iron frame.
Described as “A Machine for writing shorthand,” the Stenograph certainly fulfilled that purpose, though there was a lot to learn. Bartholomew created a new ‘alphabet’ for his machine, based on a five-dash binary code that was printed on a narrow strip of paper. The simplification of shorthand characters enabled each hand to type the complete alphabet, allowing for great speed as the hands worked together like two drumsticks, taking alternate turns. The keyboard has eight round keys, four for the left hand and four for the right hand. The square key protruding out front is the fifth key, shared by both hands. The long, curved key in the back gives a space.
Here is a firsthand account from Bartholomew:
“In thinking over the matter, it occurred to me that if the full alphabet could be made with each hand, and the hands used alternately, the rapidity of strokes would be nearly doubled. It was soon found that six hundred strokes per minute could be made in that way. This quickness of strokes, if maintained in writing, would result in from 170 to 240 words per minute. After this point was reached, no doubt was ever entertained as to the possibility of making a successful reporting machine, and experimental work was soon begun.”
Another important aspect of this revolutionary machine is that the operator’s hands do not travel across the page when taking dictation, but instead remain in a fixed position above their set of keys, with the paper moving instead. This is similar to keeping one’s fingers above the home row when typing.
The trade card (both sides shown below) is the only one known. The strip of paper, showing actual writing from this Stenograph, has miraculously stayed with the machine all these years and is also shown below. It represents one of the earliest examples of mechanical stenographic writing known.
This machine sold for $40.
“Its use is pleasant, and does not strain the eyes, hands or body.”
“It can be operated in the dark as well as in the light.”
“It can be used upon the lap in a public assembly, without attracting notice.”
“It can be used without looking at it, leaving the eyes free to follow the speaker’s motions.”
