Today, printing text or images in large quantities at home is not a problem: just have paper and ink, and the printer does the rest. In the 19th century, such an opportunity did not exist. However, the Kursk engineer Mikhail Ivanovich Alisov made a number of significant innovations for his time. In 1870, he created a machine he called the "Skripetchnik."

Its uniqueness lay in the easy change of letters and numbers, allowing not only for quick text printing but also for adding physical formulas, tables, and columns to the pages. On average, up to 60 characters could be typed per minute, which was quite an impressive speed for that time. Later, Alisov developed a matrix that could print an entire batch of publications at once. However, there was one significant drawback: the matrix wore out quickly and needed to be replaced every 70-80 copies.

Alisov wrote about his invention: "It is necessary to replace the heavy and thankless work of the copyist. The cost of the device can be reduced to such an extent that it will become accessible for the office of even a poor person." The "Skripetchnik" was first demonstrated by Mikhail Ivanovich at the World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873, where his invention made a strong impression on foreign colleagues. However, later the Kursk scientist made a serious mistake by registering his machine only three years later. This time was enough for German engineers to study the design of the "Skripetchnik" and use some technical solutions for their developments.

In Russia, the typesetting machine did not gain wide application due to the legislation of the time. Alisov's machines were equated with printing presses, which required compliance with censorship regulations. Few wanted to deal with the gendarmerie, so the devices were produced in limited quantities. Surprisingly, due to this legal obstacle, the opposite effect occurred: the "Skripetchnik," thanks to its simplicity, quick typesetting, and printing, became popular among revolutionaries who used it to produce proclamations and leaflets.