Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 7 · column 2 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
[ions related to religion and freedom. ! Printing first broke the bonds of intel lectual slavery and gave hope for individual freedom and liberty. It has continued down through the succeeding centuries. The un believable number of books, newspapers, periodicals available to the general public today keeps them informed not only of current happenings, but saves in its vast storehouse of the printed word the record of centuries past and makes available the accumulated knowledge. The contribution of printing to the development of civiliza tion during the past few centuries possibly out ranks in importance any other field. Technical advance in the printing in dustry has added to its public service, mak ing it possible to produce the millions of volumes of books, newspapers and other periodicals. Fast presses, typesetting machines and other equipment for repro duction have made possible publication of manuscripts generally. Yet, relatively little advance has been made in the basic prin ciples of printing within a half a century. However, research is in progress which promises to revolutionize printing methods through the use of photographic and elec tronic principles. No person who has lived in this century would think anything to be impossible, therefore, we anticipate radical developments in this field within the for secable future. Benjamin Franklin, w hose birthday w ill be celebrated Saturday, January 17, was a foremost American advocate of printing and publishing. He is the patron saint of the printing industry and though he was an inventor, diplomat, statesman and famous lover, first, last, and always, he was a printer and that is the word he requested to be carved on his tombstqnc. The printing industry celebrates this week as national printing week and points with pride to the importance of the industry. In Virginia, printing is 'he third largest industry with respect to the number of individual pro prietorships and the fourth largest industry in ■value added after manufacture. It has more than an economic value, printing is the basis of knowledge, the guardian of freedom and the champion of liberty.
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