§ 104 The Origin of Engraving
From this graving by the burin are derived the copper plates from which we see to-day so many impressions throughout all Italy of both Italian and German origin. Just as impressions in clay were taken from silver plaques before they were filled with niello, and casts pulled from these in sulphur,285 in the same manner the printers found out the method of striking off the sheets from the copper plates with the press, as we have seen printing done in our own days.