In the United States, presses of simpler construction have displaced the imposing Columbian press,—the first of which was invented by PETER SMITH, of New York, and the latest is SAMUEL RUST’S Washington press, which has secured general approbation and adoption, as being more simple and cheaper, if not more effective, than the Columbian press. Hand-presses are now restricted to country papers of small circulation, and to book-offices devoted to extra fine printing. The bed-and-platen power-press invented by ISAAC ADAMS, of Boston, was for a considerable time the only machine-press capable of producing fine work and exact register. It will give from six to eight thousand impressions per day. As the platen rolls off and leaves the bed entirely exposed, forms can be made ready with great facility. The sheets are taken from the feed-board by fingers, and, after being printed, are laid in a pile by a self-acting sheet-flyer. The Cylinder press, which may be run at a much higher rate of speed than the bed-and-platen machine, was of earlier invention. FREDERICK KÖNIG, a Saxon, early in the present century turned his attention to cylinder printing, and was so successful that on November 28, 1814, the London _Times_ announced the fact that the number issued on that day had been printed by machinery propelled by steam. The earliest suggestion of a cylinder press is due, however, to William Nicholson, of England, who, in 1790 took out a patent for such a machine, but it was never perfected. According to Mr. Isaiah Thomas, a Dr. Kinsley, of Connecticut, afterward produced a press varying somewhat from Nicholson’s. [Illustration: STOP CYLINDER PRESS.] In 1818, Applegath and Cowper made important improvements in König’s press, which greatly enlarged its field of usefulness. This machine, with various modifications and improvements, is in general use in Europe and America, for newspapers of moderate circulation, and even for fine job and book work, as entirely accurate register can now be secured on the new cylinder presses of the best makers, such as Hoe & Co.,[17] Cottrell & Babcock, Campbell, and others. The stop cylinder press (the latest improvement) is particularly well adapted for fine printing. [Illustration: HOE’S TYPE-REVOLVING MACHINE—SIDE VIEW.]