Distribution

The process of replacing the types in their respective boxes in the cases, in order to be set again. This work is done very rapidly by the compositor, who, placing a rule or lead at the head of the matter, takes up what is termed a handful, and, keeping the face of the letter toward him, with the nick on the upper side, rests one end of the rule or lead against the ball of the thumb of the left hand, pressing the other end with the third finger, steadies the matter with his forefinger. He thus has the right hand at liberty, with the thumb and two fingers of which he takes one or more words from the uppermost line and drops the several letters into their respective boxes. It is usual to wet matter before distribution, so as to render it slightly cohesive, the operation being performed with the facility in that state than when dry, and with less chance of the matter being broken. Only so much should be taken up at one time as can be conveniently held in the left hand; too much tires of the wrist, and is in danger of going into pie.

The compositor should be careful not to throw letters into the case with the faces downwards, as it is apt to batter them; neither should he distribute until his case is too full, as the sorts are apt to overflow into the boxes beneath, thereby creating pie and causing errors to appear in his composition. He should not care so much for distributing quickly as correctly—expedition will come by practice—much time being lost by composing from a dirty case. Many lose time by not carefully looking at the word in their fingers before distributing it; by proper attention this may be avoided, and the workman become an expeditious as well as clean distributor.

The learner should never take more between his fingers than he can conveneintly hold; if possible, always takeing an entire word or words, and keeping the left hand slightly inclinded, so that the face of the letter may come immediately under his eye. By practice he will become so well acquainted with the apperance of the beard of the type, that he will be able to know what word he has in his fingers with the very cursory view he may have while lifting it.

In distributing, the utmost care should also be taken to place the different spaces in their proper boxes; mixing them improperly is a characteristic of a careless or inferior workman. In winter time some compositors have a habit of wetting matter with hot water, and, afer distribution, of placing their cases in front of a fire to dry the letter. Type thus heated should not be handled until perfectly cold, as the antimony used in its composition gives off a noxious vapour, which affects the respiration and the sinews of the person manipulating the type.