The Development of Printing, plate 5 from 'Nova Reperta' (New Discoveries) engraved by Philip Galle...

Impressio Librorum (Book Printing): Plate 5 of the Nova Reperta (New Discoveries) Theodor Galle (Flemish, 1571–1633), after Jan van der Straet, called Stradanus (Netherlandish, 1523–1605) Antwerp: Philips Galle, late 16th century. On left three compositors assemble pieces of type stored in their wooden cases into lines of text which are then locked into a framework called a chase; the body of text is a forme. In the ackground a pressman applies ink to the letters; another pressman pulls a lever to turn screw and increase pressure on platen. Proofreader, wearing glasses checks printed proof.