Price Fourpence. Stamped Edition, 5d. TINSLEY BROTHERS' NEW WORKS, At all Libraries. This day is published, No. XVI. for NOVEMBER, of An Illustrated Monthly. A NEW WORK by “THE JOURNEYMAN ENGINEER." THE GREAT UNWASHED. In 1 vol., uniform with " Some Habits and Customs of the Working Classes." THE GREAT COUNTRY: Impressions of America. 1 vol. 8vo. By GEORGE ROSE, M.A. (ARTHUR SKETCHLEY). "CON AMORE"; or, Critical Chapters. By JUSTIN MCCARTHY. 1 vol. THE ADVENTURES of a BRIC-A-BRAC HUNTER. By MAJOR BYNG HALL. In 1 vol. price 78. 6d. TINSLEY BROTHERS' NEW NOVELS. This day is published, the Second Edition of THE MOONSTONE. By Wilkie Collins. In 3 vols. ANNE HEREFORD: a Novel. By Mrs. HENRY WOOD, Author of "East Lynne," &c. 3 vols. Ready this day, A NEW AND REVISED EDITION OF "CLARISSA." CLARISSA: a Novel by Samuel Richardson. Edited by E. S. DALLAS, Author of "The Gay Science." 3 vols. "Not read Clarissa'! If you have once thoroughly entered on 'Clarissa,' and are infected by it, you can't leave it." Macaulay to Thackeray. NOTICE. A NEW NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF HAUNTED LIVES. By J. S. Le Fanu, Author of " Uncle Silas," "A Lost Name," &c. 3 vols. [This day. NELLIE'S MEMORIES: a Domestic Story. By ROSA NANCHETTE CAREY. 3 vols. [Shortly. THE TWO RUBIES: a Novel. By the Author of " Recommended to Mercy.' "3 vols. CAMDEN lettered, 121. MR. MURRAY'S ALBEMARLE STREET. Oct., 1868. LIST OF FORTHCOMING WORKS. ? LORD CAMPBELL. GEN. SIR EDWARD CUST. LIVES OF LORD LYNDHURST AND LORD THE CONCLUDING VOLUME OF LIVES OF THE WARRIORS OF THE 17TH CENTURY. Post 8vo. DR. CHAPLIN CHILD. BENEDICITE; Being Illustrations of the Power, Beneficence, and Design in the Works of Creation. New Edition in One Volume. Post 8vo. JOSEPH MARRYAT. HISTORY OF POTTERY AND PORCELAIN, MEDIEVAL AND MODERN. Third Edition, revised and enlarged. With coloured Plates and Woodcuts. Medium 8vo. W. RICHARD DRAKE, F.S.A. NOTES on VENETIAN CERAMICS. Forming a Supplement to "Marryat's Pottery and Porcelain." Medium 8vo. R. J. KING, B.A. HANDBOOK TO THE CATHEDRALS OF YORK. RIPON, DURHAM, CARLISLE, CHESTER, and MANCHESTER. With Illustrations. Crown 8vo. LIEUT.-GEN. LORD DE ROS. THE YOUNG OFFICER'S COMPANION; or, Essays on Military Duties and Qualities; with Examples and Illustrations from History. New and Enlarged Edition. Post 8vo. J. L. MOTLEY. TRAVELS in the EAST INDIAN ARCHI- A POPULAR AND UNIFORM EDITION OF PRINCIPLES AT STAKE: Essays on the THE PROVINCE OF JURISPRUDENCE Church Questions of the Day. By VARIOUS WRITERS. 8vo. 12s. Uniform with " Aids to Faith." REV. F. BARHAM ZINCKE. DETERMINED; or, the Philosophy of Positive Law. Revised and Cheaper Edition. 2 vols. 8vo. JAMES G. BERTRAM. LAST WINTER IN THE UNITED STATES. THE HARVEST OF THE SEA; or the Natural Being Table Talk collected during a Tour through the late Southern Confederation, The Far West, Rocky Mountains, &c. Post 8vo. FREDERICK WHYMPER. History of British Food Fishes. Second and Cheaper Edition. With Illustrations. 8vo. ARCHDEACON WORDSWORTH. TRAVELS AND ADVENTURES IN THE GREECE: PICTORIAL, DESCRIPTIVE, AND HIS LONDON, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1868. CONTENTS.-N° 43. NOTES: Observations upon Early Engraving and Printing, Part III., 385 -The Graves at Senafé, 388- The Virgin Queen, 389-Value of a General in Battle-Typhoon Original Poem, Latin and English, from a MS. written about 1630-Thomas Baker of St. John's College, Cambridge Confusion of Names - Pope and Molière Wooden Churches -First Book printed in Green, 389. QUERIES:- Allegories and Parables- Mary BatemanThomas Carew -An Eminent Carthusian-Ceremonial at Induction "Commatice"-Cross-legged Effigies and the Crusades-Lady Anne Hamilton and Mr. Fitzstrathern (or Fitzclarence) - Hertfordshire Wills-"Holed" and Wayside Cross near Bolleit, Cornwall-Instone dian Civil Service Examination, 1857-"Journal of a Soldier:" its Author Francis Junius - John Monins, Lieutenant of Dover Castle-Roll of Montrose's Adherents Pluscardine Abbey: its "History of Scotland"- Rushworth's MSS., &c., 391. REPLIES:- Fons Bandusiæ, 396- Chaucer's Chronology, Notes. OBSERVATIONS UPON EARLY ENGRAVING AND PRINTING. PART III. It has been a favourite expression with all writers upon Early Printing that "the origin of the art which has given light to all others has itself remained in obscurity, and hidden its own head in darkness." The only sense in which I admit this statement to be true is, that the authors who ventured to make such a proclamation have themselves assisted in creating the obscurity complained of, by their senseless mistakes and squabbles, so amply evinced in their partisan efforts to attribute the invention first to one and then to another. In like manner, the only darkness in which the origin of printing has hitherto been hidden, has been that produced by the silly mystery into which they have contrived to plunge it. That, however, which appears to me to be far more astonishing, is that, in an age which may justly pride itself on the power of steam, railroads, and electric telegraphs, the invention of that art which has so materially promoted each of those wonders should, in the nineteenth century, still be concealed by the rust of ignorance in which it has hitherto been smothered; and that the important subject should have been utterly abandoned as a hopeless task, to a small class of men whose talent has been shown to a far greater extent in abusing one another, than in their success in elucidating the truth, and who have concluded their labours by leaving the question in far greater obscurity than they found it. If this sweeping censure be considered by any to be either unmerited or too severe, let him read Meerman's Origines Typographica, 1765; Heinecken's Idée Générale, 1771; Santander's Dictionnaire Bibliographique choisi du Quinzième Siècle, 1805; Köning's Dissertation sur l'Origine, l'Invention et le Perfectionnement de l'Imprimerie, 1819; and wind up with Ottley's Inquiry into the Origin and Early History of Printing: and I will venture to predict he will, on the conclusion of his task, find his intellect landed in an impenetrable fog, from which his ingenuity will altogether fail to emancipate him; and yet all this while the truth has been within their reach at any moment they chose to grasp it, through the simple medium of common sense, and a trifling knowledge of the first principles which govern humanity. As the readiest means of arriving at this desirable result, the whole fable as to Laurence Coster, of Haarlem, having had anything whatever to do with the invention of printing must be absolutely discarded. To enter upon the minutiae of the reasoning which justifies my altogether denying him the honour claimed for him, would necessarily occupy more space than I think myself privileged to request in the columns of " N. & Q." I must therefore content myself with incorporating in these observations my previous remarks on the "Block Books," as well as the arguments I have adduced in support of my declaration that they were not known for many years after the "invention of printing with moveable types; and, inasmuch as Coster died in 1440, it necessarily follows that he could not have had anything to do with them, and consequently with printing. As tests within the comprehension of every reader of "N. & Q." I will submit two among many which might be readily suggested. 1st. That supposing the invention of printing to have been a criminal offence according to the laws of England, the evidence which could by any possibility be raked together against Coster, as such inventor, would altogether fail to secure a conviction. 2nd. That had Coster brought an action against Gutenburg for damages, for pirating his invention, he would not have recovered a single farthing. This way of putting the question may be somewhat singular, but it is eminently practical, and affords a fair criterion by which to arrive at the true state of the case between the two persons on whose behalf the invention has in turns been claimed. To attempt, in the present advanced state of knowledge, to seriously contend for the as honour on behalf of Mentelin of Strasburg would mode by which it appears to me such a result be time and patience thrown away to no purpose; might have been brought about is, that Gutenburg although, if desired, I shall be prepared to show having a MS. in his hand, by accident caught that no real grounds exist which can in any de- sight of its reflection in one of his own lookinggree justify the supposition. Under such circum- glasses, and that the idea at once suggested itself; stances I approach the man whom I venture to Oh that I could but express upon vellum, that believe posterity will henceforth acknowledge as which I see in this glass!" That, once imthe true and only inventor of printing in the broadest pressed with such notion, he devoted his thoughts sense of the word-viz. Gutenburg of Mayence. to it, matured it, finally satisfied himself that With his name we fortunately emerge from the it was practicable, and thereupon devoted his life region of romance, and are at length refreshed to its development. The intention that his diswith a tangible fact which can be dealt with-covery should be made available for the common viz. the publication of the Psalmorum Codex at purposes of every-day life assuredly could not have Mayence in 1457, which still retains its lead then entered his mind, or he would not have acted as a marvel in the art of printing. Here, then, as he did. In his enthusiasm, the ruling idea was we have fair grounds for speculation, and to that he would successfully rival the finest manuconsider, under what circumstances the idea script which could be found. Impressed with that of printing first suggested itself to Gutenburg, feeling, he selected a MS. of the Biblia Sacra as and when? Upon making the discovery, to his standard of comparison, and resolved to prowhat use did he attempt to apply it? Why duce a printed book which, when placed side by did he aim at instant perfection in the art-to side with the MS., should be identical with it in attain which must have cost him so much time every respect. Any thing short of this must have and labour, and involved him in so many disap- appeared to him in the light of a failure, and under pointments and discouragements, to say nothing that belief he proceeded. In this hypothesis a of the great and, at first sight, needless expense it sufficient and satisfactory reason may be readily occasioned? All these, and many other questions found for the years of toil and labour which had to of interest suggest themselves, which might be be endured ere victory could be gained. “Aut Cæsar mentioned with advantage, did space but permit. aut nullus was his motto, and he ultimately conThat which is known to bibliopolists as the quered by the production of that printed Bible in "Strasburg process of 1439," has introduced Gut- two volumes which is now commonly known enburg to us as a member of a firm then engaged the Mazarine Bible. Much has been written at in that city in the manufacture of looking-glasses rious times as to the secrecy in which the invenfor the market of Aix-la-Chapelle. Whether, as tion was nursed in its infancy; but on the hypoUlric Zell has declared, Gutenburg made his dis- thesis I have advanced, the imperative necessity covery in 1440, or a few years later, certain it is for such secrecy becomes clear. The Church at that in 1444 he abandoned his business at Stras- that period comprised the greater portion of learnburg, and removed to Mayence, the place of his ing, and to it Gutenburg looked as his principal birth, and almost immediately after, entered into source of remuneration. The discovery was to be relations with Fust, in connection with his in- launched, as it were, under false pretences. The vention. Thirteen years later, the first printed volumes were to be introduced to the clergy as book with a date was published, the honour of MSS., and at least for a time that position was which may be fairly divided between Gutenburg, to be maintained. Any premature discovery, Fust, and Schoeffer. Shortly before that period therefore, of what was going on, would not only the Biblia Sacra, in two vols., was produced from have necessarily defeated the very object sought the press of Gutenburg and his associates. It, to be attained, but have enabled other persons however, bore no date, which circumstance adds to have forestalled the inventor by printing inanother interesting query to those I have already ferior works. These reasons are in themselves mentioned, and for which absence, a substantive sufficient to account for the belief that but few and powerful reason must have existed. As the hands, if any, but those of Gutenburg, Fust, and field of conjecture is open to all who desire to Schoeffer, were engaged in the production of the search for the nascent idea which gave rise to work, or permitted to have any insight as to what printing, I will now attempt to unravel the was in progress, and at the same time, they fully mystery, and submit my views on the question, explain the lengthened period the preparation of quantum valeant. the work required ere it could be ready for publication. This train of reasoning I venture to submit as being in every manner more feasible and probable than the absurd notion that Laurence Coster, of Haarlem, discovered the art, circa 1410, by cutting a letter on the bark of a birch tree, especially when it is borne in mind that it was not My firm belief is, that, like many other great inventions, the art of printing presented itself to the mind of its inventor in a moment that it flashed through his brain with the rapidity of thought and that he divined its purpose in its entirety, on the instant. If that be so, the readiest until 1483 that the first book with a date was printed at Haarlem. The publication of the Biblia Sacra may be fixed circa 1454-5, and it realised to the full the hopes and expectations of the inventor. The task of introducing it to the clergy was entrusted to Fust (otherwise Faustus), and the success was immediate and decisive. The sale of several copies of the books did not suffice to disclose the fact of their having been produced by printing. On the contrary, each copy was deemed a genuine MS., and the only means by which the repetitions were accounted for was, that Fust had been aided by his Satanic Majesty, which idea gave rise to the popular story of "The Devil and Doctor Faustus." 66 Thus, according to D'Israeli (Curiosities of Literature, p. 27), a considerable number of copies of the Bible were printed to imitate MSS., and the sale of them in Paris entrusted to Fust, as MSS. Consequent upon his selling them at sixty crowns per copy, whilst the other scribes demanded five hundred, universal astonishment was created, and still more when he produced copies as fast as they were wanted, and even lowered his price. The uniformity of the copies increased the wonder. Informations were given in to the magistrates against him as a magician, and on searching his lodgings a great number of copies were found. The red ink-and Fust's red ink is peculiarly brilliant-which embellished his copies was said to be his blood, and it was solemnly adjudged that he was in league with the infernals. Fust at length was obliged-to save himself from a bonfire to reveal his art to the parliament of Paris, who discharged him from all prosecution, in consideration of the wonderful invention." The truth having thus been avowed, and the marvellous power of the art acknowledged, then it was that printing was openly proclaimed, and the celebrated Psalmorum Codex produced, proudly bearing its date "1457." In England the joyful news was at once noticed in the Register of the Garter, wherein, under date 35 Henry VI. anno 1457, it is said, "In this year of our most pious king, the art of printing books first began at Mentz, a famous city of Germany" (History of Garter, vol. ii. p. 161). In like manner, Fabian, in his Chronicle, states, "This yere (35 Henry VI.) begain in a citie of Almaine, named Mogunce, the crafte of empryntying bokys, which sen that tyme hath had wonderful encreace." France was not behindhand in her appreciation of the advantages to be derived from the astounding discovery, as in 1458 Charles VII. directed the officers of his mint to recommend a proper person to him who might be sent privately to Mentz to inquire into an art that then made so much noise, and was practised by Gutenburg in that city, with a view to learn it if possible, and introduce it into France. Jenson was the person so recommended (Willett's "Observations on Early Printing," Archæologia, vol. viii. p. 240). From the same authority we learn, that "all the first printers in the various parts of Europe were Germans, and the art seems to have been dispersed everywhere by them." The practice of casting metal types was divulged by the workmen of Mentz in 1462, shortly before the death of Fust, whose last work, "Tully's Offices," was published by him in 1465. "I now resume my remarks on the "Block Books," which have yet to be accounted for, and assigned to their proper place in the "History of Early Printing and Engraving." En passant, however, I may observe that the only two substantial additions to the discovery of Gutenburg which have hitherto been developed, are those inventions which relate to the Printing Press and Stereotyping. Profound as the darkness has hitherto been relating to the invention of printing, it exists in full force as to the discoverers of the art of stereotyping. That invention has been erroneously declared by some writers to have originated with a Dutch printer, one Van der Mey, who, in the commencement of the 18th century, published an edition of the Bible with fixed type, his process consisting in soldering all the types together in a page, and thereby permanently fixing them. This first essay was not, however, found to answer; hence the poor Dutchman's name slipped off the "rail of time," and is all but forgotten. In 1725, William Ged, a goldsmith in Edinburgh, renewed the attempt, and in 1739 produced some volumes of the classics, of a small size, for the use of schools; and added a colophon, which announced that they were "not executed by moveable types, but by tablets of fixed metal." Ged, however, got more honour than profit, and died in very straitened circumstances in 1749, but is still recognised as the inventor of stereotyping. Strange as it may grate upon the senses of some of my readers, I shall be compelled to dispute the right either of Van der Mey, or Ged, to claim the honour of being the inventor of this branch of the art, and thus add another link to the chain of my objections to all preconceived notions upon "early printing and engraving." As a matter of course, the style of printing of the Biblia Sacra, and Psalmorum Codex of 1457 could not possibly be maintained, and indeed it was wholly unnecessary for any practical purpose. In the first urgency of the demand for printing, cost became altogether a secondary consideration. A universal thirst existed, and great was the struggle to assuage it. Books! books! was the general cry, and under their benign influence the expansion of knowledge first became firmly planted, education began to flourish, and its blessings to |
