Pitman Shorthand

Shorthand system developed by Isaac Pitman in 1837. Phonemes are represented by the direction, thickness, and length of strokes — achieving speeds of up to 350 words per minute. An essential skill for secretaries, journalists, and court clerks in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The standard shorthand system in Britain and the USA for over 100 years. George Bernard Shaw and Charles Dickens both learned Pitman shorthand, and early parliamentary records were transcribed in this system. Now largely replaced by voice recognition, but still used in courts and legislatures.