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When did Ottmar Mergenthaler invent?

Author

Jackson Reed

Updated on January 11, 2026

1885
Ottmar Mergenthaler’s invention of the linotype composing machine in 1885 is regarded as the greatest advance in printing since the development of moveable type 400 years earlier.

Where was the Blower Linotype invented?

Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland, is well known as the birthplace of the typesetting machine that revolutionized publishing: the Linotype, invented by German immigrant Ottmar Mergenthaler in 1886.

When did newspapers stop using Linotype?

1970’s
Linotype machines were invented in 1884 and were eventually used by most newspaper businesses until around the 1970’s. Linotype machines were a big advancement for newspapers when they were invented. Before Linotype machines, newspaper type was set by hand, one letter at the time.

Who invented the Linotype in 1886?

Ottmar Mergenthaler
Ottmar Mergenthaler, (born May 11, 1854, Hachtel, Württemberg [Germany]—died Oct. 28, 1899, Baltimore), German-born American inventor who developed the Linotype machine.

How did Ottmar Mergenthaler die?

Tuberculosis
Ottmar Mergenthaler/Cause of death

Who invented Linotype?

A German immigrant named Ottmar Mergenthaler invented it in the 1880s and continued to promote and expand its use until dying in Baltimore in 1899.

Did linotype operators get lead poisoning?

The lead dust from the room can also poison the linotype operator. Linotype operators handled slugs with their barehands, and they had to be careful not to touch their mouths. Many linotype operators reported that they had leadpoisoning. Lead from the type-metal fumes and slugs are harmful to human health.

Do newspapers still use typesetting?

The Saguache Crescent is the last newspaper in the United States still produced with a Linotype hot metal typesetting machine. Most newspapers stopped using Linotypes more than 40 years ago and replaced the technology with offset lithography printing and computer typesetting.

Is typesetting still used?

While its use has fallen off, it is still included with a number of Unix and Unix-like systems, and has been used to typeset a number of high-profile technical and computer books.

Who made Linotype in India?

Ottmar Mergenthaler Invents the Linotype. This is how the original Blower Linotype looked in its original installation at the New York Tribune. By this time the Linotype machines had been used at the Tribune for two years.

When did Mergenthaler invent the linotype machine?

By 1884, he conceived the idea of assembling metallic letter molds, called matrices, and casting molten metal into them, all within a single machine. His first attempt proved the idea feasible and a new company was formed. Improving his invention, Mergenthaler further developed his idea of an independent matrix machine.

What was the purpose of the linotype machine?

The Linotype machine (/ˈlaɪnətaɪp/ LYNE-ə-type) is a “line casting” machine used in printing sold by the Mergenthaler Linotype Company and related companies. It was a hot metal typesetting system that cast blocks of metal type for individual uses.

What was the first book composed with the new Linotype method?

The book, the first ever composed with the new Linotype method, was titled, The Tribune Book of Open-Air Sports. Initially, the Mergenthaler Linotype Company was the only company producing linecasting machines, but in time, other companies would begin manufacturing them.

When did Mergenthaler invent the matrix machine?

By 1884 he conceived the idea of assembling metallic letter molds, called matrices, and casting molten metal into them, all within a single machine. His first attempt proved the idea feasible, and a new company was formed. Improving his invention, Mergenthaler further developed his idea of an independent matrix machine.