While the first typewriter created uniformed and efficient writing, eventually people wanted variations in text that could reflect individual style. The Hammond No. 12 typewriter allowed for this with an interchangeable type shuttle. This feature works using a C-shaped piece of hard rubber held in a central anvil that is easy to change. Different type shuttles can use conventional type, cursive type, non-Roman alphabets, or mathematical symbols paving the way to the hundreds of fonts available in current typing systems. The Hammond No. 12 allowed for users to clip a chart onto a celluloid strip above the keyboard when they were using an unfamiliar alphabet or special symbols.
The first Hammond Typewriter was introduced in the 1880's by the Hammond factory in New York, NY. For the first time customers could decide what type of keyboard they would like, including a three-row, double shift QWERTY keyboard or a curved, two row "ideal" keyboard. Also on the Hammond was the ability to see what you were typing by a ribbon vibrator that raised and lower the ribbon with each keystroke. It was so successful, machines with the Hammond mechanisms continued to be produced until the 1970's. To help people learn the new features the Elmira School of Commerce was started in 1889 to instruct 150 students.