Instructions on the use of the writing machine

A paperback booklet with extensive instructions on the use of the writing machine with a methodical training in the use of the ten-finger system. Published in 1915 and written by Mr Hardy, teacher at the municipal trade-school in Tilburg. (Tilburg, The Netherlands - book also all in Dutch of course.)

The whole booklet illustrates how technology completely changed the office environment. With amazement it is noted in the introduction that in but a few years the typewriter has become an indispensable tool in any office. "In our modern times, where the saying "time is money" is expressed in every branch of trade and industry there is hardly any office left that does not have the use of one or more typewriters. Without fear of contradiction we dare to state that in but a few years the typewriter has become an indispensable tool for administrative work."

The included ten-finger chart is missing (probably was used next to the machine), the large chart of letter combinations is still present. Part of the training method.

Before starting on the training, first the importance of proper lighting of the keyboard (from the top, not the side) is noted. It's explained what actually is the 'keyboard' with naming of the rows. It was written by a school teacher; as 3rd item the student is admonished to strictly adhere to the exercises.

In a second section of the book a general overview of the advanced technologies in the modern office is given. With amazement it is noted that the modern duplicator works completely automatic; with paper feeding, counting of the number of copies made and can be driven electrically if so desired. "In every field human ingenuity has aimed to replace manual labor with machinery. Thus today many office tasks can be accomplished quickly and neatly with clever machines. The advantages of these machines can be increased further when one knows how to link them up."

Prescient.