The Printer’s Devil

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 5 November 1915, Page 3

The Printer’s Devil

Although this term is being frequently made use of, there are very few people who know its real meaning and origin. In the early days of printing it used to be called the “ Black Art,” for being little understood by the majority of the people, and being regarded with a considerable amount of awe, the honour was ascribed to Satan. When Aldus Mauritius, a printer of Venice, took a little negro boy, left behind by a merchant ship, into his employ, the belief was further strengthened,as it was then reported that he had an actual black imp working for him. So great was the feeling against him, that it was feared that an attack would be made upon his house and his machinery wrecked. To prevent this, and to dispel the rumour, he showed the boy to the assembled crowd, and said : —- “Be it known in Venice, that I, Aldus Manutius, Printer to the Holy Church and the Doge, have this day made a public exposure of the ‘ Printer’s Devil.’ All who think ha is not flesh and blood may come and pinch him.” How far the people put this request to the test is not related but, at ell events, they appear to have been perfectly satisfied, for they never again subjected the boy or his master to further molestation.