So, I've read that the curious 'f'-shaped letter 's' that is so classic to 18th century printed material (is there a word for it?) was made because the 's' shape was too weak, and so the 'f'-shaped letter was used instead as it held up better. First, is this true? Second, when did it stop being is use and why?
What brings me to ask is that I'm reading some old Louisiana legislature and in all the English-language text, they use the 'f'-like symbol, but in all the French-language text, they use our modern 's'. Crazy! Now, I'm pretty sure this is a later reprint, but why reprint the text with two different 's' keys?
Anyway, just wondering if some print historian could answer my strange query. Was it some new invention in typing? A style change?
The "long S" is a typographic style for the letter in the middle of words, while the "short S" is used at the end of the word. You can find some info from u/kookingpot in this older thread, and the indomitable u/Searocksandtrees also compiled a lot of older threads here.