In order to enable the learner to examine, analyze and criticise
his writing, the following principles are given as his standards of
measurements and form. By combining them in various ways the essential
part of all letters in the alphabet may be formed.
[Illustration: (eight common strokes)]
The principles must be first carefully studied, and separated into the
primary lines which compose them and the form of each principle well
understood. The student may then form a scale like the one following, by
dividing the distance between the blue lines on the paper into four
equal spaces, with a lightly ruled line. The letters of the small
alphabet should then be placed in the scale and the [Transcriber's Note:
The original text reads 'hight'] height of each letter fixed in the
mind.
[Illustration: (lowercase cursive alphabet)]
Notice that the contracted letters, or those which occupy only one
space, as a, m, n, o, s, v, w and e, and that part of d, g, h, q and
y, found in the first space, are all well rounded and developed.
These letters and parts of letters, found in the first space, form the
essential part of all writing, and therefore deserve especial care.
Also notice that the loop letters, above the line, such as b, f, h, k
and l, extend two and one-half spaces above the blue line, while
the loop below the line, such as g, f, j, q, y and z, extend one and
one-half spaces below the blue line, thus two and one-half and one and
one-half making the four spaces of the scale, and the upper loops on
one line will just meet the lower loops of the line above, but never
conflict, to the destruction of neat body writing. Notice the type
of the printer. The extensions above the shorter letters are quite
insignificant, and are only used to save the letter from resembling
some other letter of the alphabet. They never conflict, and how
legible they are.
[Illustration: The Types. A Resemblance. An Absurdity.]
Besides, to make long loops, requires more time, and more power with
the pen, while shorter loops are in every way easier to acquire,
quicker, and better. Telegraph operators, some of whom are among our
best business penmen, make all extended letters very short, while
accountants, and business men, favor the style of short loops, well
developed letters, and small capitals.
Apply the principles. Observe regularity. Muscular movement.
[Illustration: (v and u strokes)]
Down strokes straight. Up strokes curved.
[Illustration: (n and m strokes)]
Principle No. 1. Well formed loop.
[Illustration: (e and c strokes)]
These exercises should be practiced with the muscular movement, until
they can be made with regularity and ease.
4th principle. Let 3d and 4th fingers slide. Notice the top.
[Illustration: (s and r strokes)]
O closed at top. No retracing.
[Illustration: (o and a strokes)]
Two spaces high. Down stroke straight.
[Illustration: (l and d strokes)]
A rule in writing may be laid down, that all small letters should
commence on the blue line, and end one space high.
Discover the principles. Avoid retracing.
[Illustration: (g and q strokes)]
Notice form. In w, last part narrow. Make without raising the pen.
[Illustration: (v, w, and x strokes)]
Extend two spaces above the line, and one below.
[Illustration: p p pppppp pump paper prepared pen]
Retracing is an error. The only exception to this is in d, t, p and x,
where it becomes [Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'neccessary']
necessary.
[Illustration: b b b blending blooming k k kick kicking hurt hint hand
heart head hundred hhh f find fund fame flame flowers fumigate]
Upper loops have their crossing at the hight of one space, while lower
loops cross at the blue line.
[Illustration: y your youth y j journey joining rejoicing fs effs
efffs afsure z zone zone zenith zzzzzz tune time tanner drum dime
tttdddd]
Place the capital letters on the scale, analyze them according to
principles 6, 7, and 8, and notice their relative proportions.
[Illustration: (uppercase cursive alphabet)]
In order to practice capital letters to advantage, as well as to study
them, collect in a group or family all those letters which have
some one form or principle as an essential part. Take first the 6th
principle, or oval, and we group the letters as follows:
[Illustration: O. D. C. E. P. Q. R.]
The excellence of an oval depends largely on its fullness and
roundness. No corners or flat sides.
Down strokes parallel.
Capital D is a Capital O with a knot on the lower corner.
[Illustration: O Olean Orleans Ohio Delia David Dahlia]
[Illustration: C Church Currency E Elucidate Economy]
[Illustration: P Prince Prayer P R Regan R Raymond R]
The letters in which the capital stem, or 7th principle, forms a
leading part, may be grouped as follows:
[Illustration: H. K. F. T. S. S. G.]
In the H and K, the capital stem is almost straight on the down
stroke, in the F and T it is little more of a wave line, and in S and
L the line is much of a compound or double curve.
[Illustration: H Hand Hunter Hinder K Kingdom Ky.]
[Illustration: F Famine Fremont T Tenement Troy]
[Illustration: S Sumpter St. S Sarimore G Grammar]
The capital I, and also the J, which is a modified I, are sometimes
classed among the capital stem letters, from the resemblance of the I
to this principle in all but the top.
[Illustration: Independence Jamestown Inkerman Judgment]
The capital loop, or 8th principle, is found as an essential element
in:
[Illustration: M. N. X. W. Q. Z. V. U. Y.]
In the capital loop, or 8th principle, another oval may be made within
the large turn at the top, but for practical purposes the letter is
perhaps better without it, and may be simplified even more, as in the
N below.
[Illustration: M Monumental N Nathaniel X Xenophon]
[Illustration: W Writing Q Quay Quack J J Jones J J]
[Illustration: V Value Valuable U Union Y Youthful]