The Reporter's Companion | by Benn Pitman

These pages contain more than any one Phonographic reporter will ever be likely to need or use, but there is nothing here that will not be gladly adopted by some. A work of this nature should provide for the wants of the two distinct classes who will use it; namely, those who have good memories and little executive power, and those who have aptitude and quickness with but moderately retentive memories. The former will find it easier to become reporters by storing their memories ; the latter by exercising their fingers. It seems to be a general rule that we possess and enjoy only when we have earned possession: the reporting style of Thonography is no exception. If the student has not mastered the contents of the Manual, he will be likely to find this book a labyrinth of difficulty ; but if he has earned the right to study the advanced style of this art, by having faithfully mastered the elementary principles, he will find this book a welcome guide in helping him from the corresponding to the reporting style ; a transition that will be a source of delight in proportion to his ability to appreciate what is philosophic, useful, and beautiful.