Notes on the
Plates

THE BORDERS.—The lettering practically fills

the panel (see p. 316): the surrounding moulding is
approx. 4 inches wide.

THE LETTERS (for their forms see note on Pi. II).
First two lines: inches high.

Second two lines: 4-§ „ „

Fifth line: 4^ „

Last line: з| „ „

Approxi¬

mate

heights

THE SPACES (between Lines) decrease from 3
inches to 2§ inches. A decrease in the height of the
letters from the top to the foot line is common in early
inscriptions (see figs. 203-205). Several reasons for
this suggest themselves: (a) (Sometimes the beginning
words, being farther from the reader, may require to be
larger), (b) The architectural beauty of a large heading
(comp, stem heads, p. 252). (¡r) The importance of

beginnings generally (there is very often a marked differ¬
ence between the upper lines containing important words
and the rest of the inscription: comp. figs. 197, 91).

Note.—The WORDS are separated by triangular
points (p. 348).

PLATE II.—Alphabet from Trajan Inscription. (Circa

a.D. 114). Scale approx. -fh linear. (See note above.)

THE “TRAJAN” ALPHABET.—Very fine letters
for inscriptions in stone: possibly painted before incision
(see p. 256); see also remarks on Roman Capitals, pp. 232-
260, and note:—

SERIFS.—Small and carefully curved.

THIN PARTS about half the width of the thick
stems (pp. 339, 249).

A (M and N), pointed (p. 244).

В—a very beautiful form, with large lower bow (p. 242).

C, G, and (D)—Upper parts rather straight (p. 245).

E and F—mid arm slightly shorter than upper arm.

E and L—lower serif pointed out (p. 246).

372

LO (shown sideways in plate) and LT show L’s arm pro¬
jecting under next letter. ....

M—pointed: slightly spread (p. 248), distance apart of points
above equal to inside distance of stems below.

24 pointed: practically no difference in thickness of vertical

and oblique parts (p. 249). , ,

О—very beautiful : width slightly less than height (p. 234) ;
slightly tilted (as are all the other curved letters: see p. 249).

p Bow not joined to stem below (first P rounder topped).

Q—tail carried under v (u).

R large bow: straight tail, with finishmg-curve (p. 255).

S—leans forward slightly (p. 250).

Notes on the
Plates

Proportions
of widths
to heights
(comp,
with pp.

233-237)

fOCDGMNQ width slightly less than height.
ARTV width approx. Jth less than height.

BX width rather more than half height,

p width approx. equal half height.

LS width slightly less than half height.

_EF width approx. ?ths of height.

H, (J), K, (U), W, Y, Z are not present in the
inscription. A rough diagram (fig. 219) is given below
showing approximately suitable forms for these (Re
junction of и in stone; see p. 364, & fig. 215).

Fig. 219

373