Typesetting
Those vertical things are magazines of type matrices for the Linotype machine. To change to a different typeface or point size requires heaving a different magazine up on to the top of the Linotype. When I saw Ben Burkhart demonstrate his machines in 2003, I remember him mentioning how big a difference it made when the magazines were revised to have top panels made of aluminum, saving some weight.
Typesetting
Those vertical things are magazines of type matrices for the Linotype machine. To change to a different typeface or point size requires heaving a different magazine up on to the top of the Linotype. When I saw Ben Burkhart demonstrate his machines in 2003, I remember him mentioning how big a difference it made when the magazines were revised to have top panels made of aluminum, saving some weight.