1992.359

Possum Moon-Writer

The Moon writer looks similar to a typewriter. Paper is inserted into the top of the machine and a pressure pad fits securely on top of it. On the front of the machine is a master pad--a metal plate with indented lines from which the Moon characters are composed. The user inserts the right index finger into a metal ring attached to a lever above the master pad and "draws" the shape of the character on the pad. This transmits the shape of the character to the writing mechanism and pushes a stylus against the pressure pad inscribing a small version of the character on the paper. On the front of the Moon writer is "Possum Moon Writer" and "Royal National Institute for the Blind," with the RNIB logo. Black plastic carrying case.
Includes draft copy of the User's Handbook, with tactile graphics.

H-5 W-16.5 D-14 inches

ca. 1986

Possum Controls Ltd., Royal National Institute for the Blind

England

Dr. William Moon introduced his alphabet-based tactile system for reading and writing in 1847. The first Moon writer was introduced in 1908 by his daughter, Adelaide Moon. The system experienced some popularity in Great Britain, which declined after the adoption of braille, but it continues to be produced in small quantities to this day. The prototype of this machine was introduced for testing in 1983 and the final production model introduced in 1986. There is nothing to suggest the machine experienced anything beyond a minimal run, although it did generate some research in British blindness research magazines.

Gift of Judy Dixon, 1992.359.