Graphotype

Graphotype, a process which was intended to supersede wood engraving, but which only met with a very partial success. The mode of working was as follows: - A plate of zinc was coated with powdered French chalk, subjected to considerable pressure and sized. The drawing was then made by means of finely-powdered charcoal and lampblack mixed with gelatine and water. The chalk between the lines was afterwards brushed or rubbed away to a depth of 1/10th inch or more, the lines remaining owing to the hardening action of the ink employed. From the block so obtained, a mould was taken from which stereotype blocks, etc., were made and used for the printing.