On Printing Presses and their Theory. 319 
prior inventions into the back ground, it must in its turn 
yield to the progress of improvement. The points of supe- 
riority in the Lever, over the Columbian press, appear to be 
= following. 1. It is afforded at two thirds of the expense. 
. The mechanism is lighter, and more compactly stowed. 
s From the greater simplicity of structure, it is oe liable 
to get out of repair, and is more easily put in o 
out of a en by a person of common mechanical skill 4. 
he surfaces which move in contact are so contrived as to 
be kept oiled without heing. taken in pieces. Accordingly, 
those who have’had trial of both, so far as the writer can 
learn, both owners and workmen, give the stad to the 
ver press. 
~ High: as is the perfection to which this press s has been 
brought by its inventor, it would be strange if it were abso- 
lately incapable of improvement, or if farther he so 
should not point out some changes for the better. Am 
the infinite variety of which the adjustment of the wan’ is 
capable, there can be but one which is absolutely the best; 
and it is scarcely supposable that this one has been yet at- 
tained. A slight variation of the position and form of the 
working parts in different successive castings, promises more 
effectually than any thing else to make known those slight 
of an inch square. But if reduced to one half hele present ad 
size, they would possess mac times 
The driving lever also, if = very ne 
might be without sates’ we wi th the 
diminished one half or two thirds in size. On oibues 4 im- 
Tov which have 
ovements of ematical ¢ 
suggested themselves, it will not be necessary to enlarge. 
é 
