What is the difference between linotype and monotype?

Answer 1

The linotype, commonly used in newspaper offices, casts a complete line of type. The operator sits before a keyboard resembling that of a typewriter. When he presses a key, a brass matrix drops into a receiver, and, when sufficient matrices have been set, the operator presses a lever, and this line of matrices is automatically cast into a line of letters. The other lines are set and cast in the same way. The matrices are automatically distributed to be set again. A single operator can set four thousand ems per hour of regular reading matter. The monotype is similar, and yet different, from the linotype. The operator sits in front of a keyboard, and each key when pressed makes an impression on a roll of paper similar to that used for the automatic piano-player. This roll is placed in another machine, which automatically casts and sets single type. The speed of the monotype is about that of the linotype. The monotype is admirably adapted to book work, partly because its work is as easily corrected as is that of hand-set type, while a correction made on the linotype requires the resetting and recasting of an entire line.

Answer 2

Linotype is a typesetting machine that casts lines of text in one piece, while Monotype is a typesetting system that casts individual letters, allowing for greater flexibility in reusing characters. Linotype is faster for large amounts of text, while Monotype offers more control over spacing and sizing of individual characters.