The spelling of the word "ecterograph" can be a bit tricky to figure out on first glance. The IPA phonetic transcription can help you understand how to pronounce it and therefore spell it correctly. The word is pronounced as /ɛktərəˌɡræf/ and its spelling is derived from the Greek words "ektós" meaning outside and "graphein" meaning to write. It refers to a device used to copy writing or drawings onto stencil paper for printing. Keep in mind that the correct spelling of a word can greatly impact how it is understood and interpreted.
An ecterograph is a device used for copying written or printed material through a process of electrotyping. It is specifically designed to create a replica or duplicate of original drawings or manuscripts. The word "ecterograph" is derived from the Greek word "ektos" meaning "outside" or "external" and "grapho" meaning "to write" or "to draw."
In its simplest form, an ecterograph consists of a metal plate onto which the original document or image is placed. The plate is then coated with a thin layer of wax or other suitable material. A small roller equipped with a sharp needle or stylus is passed over the original document, thereby transferring the image onto the wax-covered plate. The plate is then treated with chemicals to harden the wax and create a durable surface.
Ecterographs were commonly used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries for duplicating intricate drawings, maps, and other important documents. They provided a means of preserving valuable records and disseminating information across multiple locations.
Although ecterographs have largely been replaced by more advanced photocopying and digital reproduction technologies, they played a significant role in promoting the dissemination of knowledge and preserving historical records. Today, ecterographs are primarily of interest to collectors, historians, and those studying the history of printing and copying technologies.
A modified pneumatograph employed in making graphic records of the movements of the intestine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.