In the ancient Roman Empire, shorthand, credited to Greek historian Xenophon, facilitated quick note-taking. Despite fading during the Middle Ages, it resurged in the Victorian Era and aided Bible translation during the Reformation.
Sir Isaac Pitman modernized shorthand in 1837, introducing it to the U.S. in 1852. Replacing Pitman’s style, John Robert Gregg developed Gregg Shorthand, enabling note-taking at 280 words per minute.
Shorthand, with its abbreviated symbols, remains relevant in legal, medical, and secretarial fields. Despite its distinct characters, some liken it to Arabic script, challenging conventional writing methods. In the digital age, shorthand persists, maintaining a unique role in specialized professions.
