Typed Poem 'Glattes Eis ein Paradeis'

What it is

This is a typed sheet of paper in capital letters containing a short German poem titled 'Glattes Eis ein Paradeis.' It is signed with the initials 'F. N.' and dated at Genoa, 17 February 1882. It was produced using Friedrich Nietzsche's Malling-Hansen writing ball, a typewriter he bought in 1882.

Why it matters

Nietzsche bought this early typewriter because his eyesight was failing and writing by hand had become painful. He reflected on how the machine changed his own writing style, remarking that 'our writing tools are also working on our thoughts.' This object shows how technology could shape even the most abstract philosophical work.

Look closer

• Why would a thinker care about the tool he used to write, not just what he wrote?
• How might typing in capital letters feel different from handwriting?
• What does this object tell us about Nietzsche's physical struggles during this period of his life?