The Roman under proper control, yet, generally, such structural
Alphabet changes do not improve the appearance of the plain
& its letter forms.

Derivatives

We may test our “Standard” (я, fig. 161) by considering the
effects of further amplification.

(i) Raising the division1 slightly is permissible (6, fig. 161)—
too much makes the top part disproportionately small (c).

(z) Widening both bows, or separating their junction from the
stem, tends to dissociate the bows from the stem, mailing the
letter less distinctive [g and i, fig. 161).

Widening and narrowing are both allowable and
occasionally desirable, but assuming that a standard
or ideal width can be approximately determined, it
is well to keep to it for common and ordinary use.

CHARACTERISATION OF FORMS

{Seealso Built- Up Forms,pp. 255-60,&pp. 204,217)

That the tool2 gives character and finish to the
Essential Forms of letters, can easily be proved by
a little practical experience of the natural action of
a properly cut pen (see figs. 142 to 148, and 162).
And the penman—or indeed any other letter-maker
—is advised to allow the pen to train his hand to

1 The extremely beautiful and finished В in the “Trajan
Alphabet” (Plate II) has the division a little higher, and a
marked enlargement of the lower part; until the letter-crafts-
man can approach the perfection of its execution he will find
a simpler form more suitable for his “standard.” A curious
form, in which the top lobe has nearly or quite disappeared
(comp, c, fig. 161), is found in early Roman inscriptions. This
form (which may have helped to give us the useful small b) is
not suitable for a modem Capital, and would lack the distinctive¬
ness of B.

г Chisel-made Roman Capitals (possibly influenced by brush,
&c., pp. 256, 355), Plates I, II; (modem), XXIV. Pen-made,
Plates III, XVIII: (modem), figs. 147, 148, 167, 168, &c.

242

Sen

also
fíes. 142
14-8.

HssaitiaiA PEN

Ä/H

Slantèb

pen "free
ftcmrisheb

The снлтсТ

ERIZATION OF
THE LETTERE.
ВТ MEANS Of

P £N

STROKES

3s

The Roman
Alphabet
& its
Derivatives

Fig. 162.

24З