Illustration of type matrices

Illustration of type matrices

These engravings are from an 1819 essay by the director of Paris' institute for the blind. They depict the punches and matrices used to print a twenty-five letter alphabet that was discernible by touch—the two sides of the "u" were separated to distinguish it from the "a," while the top of the "k" was lengthened so that it would not be confused with the "h," etc.

Dr. Guillié

1819