Chapter I: Preface

This book, like the others in this Part, makes no pretense at originality. The author has studied and compared a considerable number of works by the best authorities on the subject and has endeavored to adapt the best of their contents to the use of printers' apprentices. Every author has his own set of rules. At first sight, each set appears inconsistent with those given by other writers. This inconsistency, however, is generally more apparent than real. It arises from differences in point of view, method of approach, and system of classification.

An attempt has been made to compile from these sources a set of rules which would bring before the pupil a correct and comprehensive view of the best current usage, well illustrated by examples and accompanied by practical typographical hints. The fact has been kept steadily in mind that this book is intended for a certain definite class of pupils and no pains have been spared to fit it to their needs.

Any treatise consisting, as this one necessarily does, mainly of rules is practically useful only as a basis for constant and persistent drill. It is, of course, valuable for reference, but the emergencies of the day's work leave no time for consultation. These rules must be learned, and not only learned but assimilated so that their correct application becomes instinctive and instantaneous. This result can be secured only by practice. Hence the emphasis laid on the exercises indicated in the paragraphs introductory to the review questions.

CONTENTS

PAGE
INTRODUCTION 1

THE COMMA 7

THE SEMICOLON 14

THE COLON 16

THE PERIOD 18

THE DASH 20

THE PARENTHESIS 23

THE BRACKET 25

THE INTERROGATION 26

THE EXCLAMATION 27

THE APOSTROPHE 28

THE HYPHEN 30

QUOTATION MARKS 31

GENERAL REMARKS 34

SUMMARY 35

SUPPLEMENTARY READING 36

REVIEW QUESTIONS 37

GLOSSARY OF TERMS 40

PUNCTUATION