Steno Machines Through History

The steno machine is the most important tool used by steno writers – an extension of their fingers – their method of writing down everything they hear.  The stenotype keyboard has far fewer keys than a conventional keyboard.  Multiple keys are pressed simultaneously (known as “chording” or “stroking”) to spell out whole syllables, words, and phrases with a single hand motion. 

Below is one of the most comprehensive compendiums of the evolution of shorthand machines in the world. This presentation is the result of thirty years of research by shorthand historian, Dominick M. Tursi, often with the assist of machine history consultant, Kathy Dittmeier. 

Click on each machine to bring up a larger view.