As there are two formes required to every sheet, when both sides are to be printed, it is necessary that they should be of exactly the same length and breadth; i.e., the corresponding heads, gutters, &c., are to be equal in both formes, that the pages may fall exactly on the back of each other. This is called register.
Here, then, properly ends the compositor’s work; the forme, thus finished, being ready to be committed to the pressman.
Besides the several kinds of letters and characters above mentioned, used in printing, there are likewise rules for division lines, borders, and head and tail-pieces, accommodated to the several kinds of letters.
The rules for division lines are of brass, and are made exactly the same height as the letter; otherwise they would hinder the neighbouring letters from printing, or would themselves be hindered. These the compositor occasionally cuts into proper lengths, as her work requires.
The borders, or flowers, are a kind of ornament, in various forms, serving for the division of books, chapters, &c. Their depth is proportioned to the letter, and their length adjusted to the page; for being composed of several moveable pieces, it is easy to lengthen or shorten them.
The head and tail-pieces, either cut in wood, or cast in type metal, are used at the beginnings and endings of chapters or books.
The initial letters are sometimes cut in wood, and figured; sometimes cast like the other characters.
For the convenience of binding, printers have recourse to signatures, i.e., letters of the alphabet placed at the bottom of the first page of each sheet, which show the order in which the sheets are to be bound, as well as whether the quires are complete.
And now, perhaps, you may be inclined to ask, “How long does it take a person to learn to set up type sufficiently well to obtain employment?”