The IBM SELECTRIC® Composer: Philosophy of Composer Design

The IBM SELECTRIC® Composer is a new kind of printing machine, much like a typewriter. This paper outlines the philosophy of design of the significant systems and mechanisms within the Composer and the primary elements needed to satisfy composition requirements, i.e., good print quality in a variety of classical type styles and sizes; variable vertical line spacing; justification; and an output of final copy that can be judged subjectively by printing experts and laymen alike.