Pitman shorthand

Uncommon card · No. 93296

Pitman shorthand is a system of shorthand for the English language developed by Isaac Pitman (1813–1897), who first presented it in 1837. Like most systems of shorthand, it is a phonetic transcription system; the symbols do not represent letters, but rather sounds, and words are, for the most part, written as they are spoken. Shorthand was referred to as phonography in the 19th century. It was first used by newspapers who sent phonographers to cover important speeches, usually stating (as a claim of accuracy) that they had done so. The practice got national attention in the United States in 1858 during the Lincoln–Douglas Debates which were recorded phonographically. The shorthand was converted into words during the trip back to Chicago, where typesetters and telegraphers awaited them. At its peak popularity in the late 1800s, Pitman shorthand was the most popular shorthand system used in the United Kingdom and the second most popular in the United States. One characteristic feature of...

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