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Cross Writing Text (Scarce Paper Used in Full)

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    Posted 14 years ago

    JimLinderman
    (203 items)

    19th Century "cross written" letters. Cross writing was a technique to save paper when paper was scarce. Every scrap mattered at one time (one of these is dated 1823) so the writer, upon reaching the end of the page, would turn the paper 90 degrees and add a second layer of text. Once it becomes familiar, the mind adapts easily and cross written letters are surprisingly legible. Charles Darwin famously used the technique.
    Original Post from Dull Tool Dim Bulb the Daily Blog

    Two Early 19th Century Cross Writing letters, Collection Jim Linderman

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    Comments

    1. genghis8 genghis8, 14 years ago
      Wild!!!!
    2. Nostalgic Nostalgic, 14 years ago
      Incredible.
    3. benjclark benjclark, 14 years ago
      Have seen a 3 way letter. Horizontal, Vertical and Diagonal. Not as easy to read.
    4. donnahatch29, 8 years ago
      This also saved on stamps, because they charged per sheet of paper.
    5. phillis, 2 years ago
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