The platen worked vertically between standards, and was brought down for the impression, and raised after it, by a common screw, worked by a bar handle.

The inking was performed by balls covered with skin pelts; they were blacked with ink, and beaten down on the type by the pressman.

The inking was consequently irregular.
In 1798, Earl Stanhope perfected the press that bears his name.

He did not patent it, but made his invention over to the public.

In 1818, Mr.
Cowper greatly improved the inking of formes used in the Stanhope and other presses, by the use of a hand roller covered with a composition of glue and treacle, in combination with a distributing table.