The first typewriter was invented in 1867 in the United States by Christopher Scholes, the idea was subsequently taken up by a company called Remington. The principle of operation was similar to that of the manual typewriter which is still available today.
The interface between the operator and the typewriter is the keyboard. This is a series of keys arranged in rows, the layout being standard throughout all the different types. This standard format of keyboard is known as the `qwerty keyboard,' taken from the first six letters on the top row. Above the keyboard are a series of steel arms, known as type bars. These are arranged in a semi circle and are usually spring loaded. On the end of each type bar is a letter or number raised above the flat surface. The paper is fed into the typewriter around a roller, or cylinder. The ink is contained on a ribbon which is wound onto a pair of spools. These spools rotate with each press of the key to ensure that the ribbon is used evenly along its length.
When a key is pressed, the corresponding type bar is pushed forwards, striking the ribbon and pushing it against the paper. The shape of the raised letter on the end of the type bar is then printed onto the paper. The typewriter makes good use of levers, so that a relatively small movement of the finger causes a long movement of the type bar.
Over the years there have been many improvements on the standard typewriter, to the extent that in its manual form it may be approaching obsolescence. With the advent of first the electric, and then the electronic typewriter, not to mention the wordprocessor, there is very little call for a basic typewriter in a modern office.
