This was originally published on Pessimists Archive.

The article “The Typewriter in Social Correspondence” published in 1898, argues that the use of typewriters for personal correspondence will become more accepted in the future, just as the use of gummed envelopes did in the past (the particular anecdote used didn’t actually occur).

The writer acknowledges that some people may prefer the individuality and sentimentality of hand-written letters, but argues that typewritten letters have many advantages over hand-written ones. The writer points out that typewritten letters are more legible, compact, and without blots, and that typewriting requires little practice and is easy to decipher. The writer predicts that the use of typewriters will become universal, as it already has in the business world, and that it will greatly increase the demand for typewriters, making them cheaper and more convenient for postal workers.

The writer goes on to state that the time is coming when typewriting machines will be in every home where writing is done and will be a great convenience to employes in post offices who will be able to rapidly handle, assort and decipher letters. He predicts that this would greatly reduce the number of poorly addressed envelopes that make their way to the dead letter office. The writer concludes by stating that with all the arguments in favor of this mechanical device, there should be no reason why it should not at an early date almost entirely supersede the old fashioned method of letter writing in social correspondence, as it has already done in the business world.

Key Points

• The article predicts that the use of typewriters for personal correspondence will become more accepted in the future.
• Argues that typewritten letters have many advantages, such as legibility and no blots.
• Predicts that the use of typewriters will become universal and increase demand, making them cheaper.
• Predicts typewriting machines in every home will greatly reduce number of poorly addressed letters sent to dead letter office.
• Argues that typewriting will soon supersede hand-written letters in social correspondence, as it already has in business.