Labor-saving rule of service
175
body cut to even ems and ens of the text type, and in abundant supply, will be a valuable aid to neat composition.
1
Algebraic expressions that show the two lines and denominator, or of dividend and divisor, separated by the usual dividing line, may of numerator
need root signs, braces, brackets, and parentheses twice and sometimes thrice the height of the text If the text type is on 10-point letter.
c^
body, the radical sign will be of 20point body when small figures are used
\9o?76
below the vinculum, as in the upper ex-
^127-96 ample. If figures of a larger body are ordered under the vinculum, then a radical sign of 25-point is needed for neat presentation of figures. The characters needed for a treatise on algebra comprise sorts on many bodies that cannot wisely be stowed in one case, for which reason the diagram of an algebraic case is omitted. The laying of sorts for the composition of algebra is governed by personal choice. The quarter-section case that
can be placed by the side of the italic cases most needed will be found of good service. The order of laying should be exactly the same for every size, l It is not good policy to allow the compositor to cut rules as he needs them. Rules so treated are liable to be irregular as to length, with burs on cut edges or slight bends in the body, and these defects tend to insecure
and give needless trouble to maker-up, stoneman,
justification,
and
electrotyper.
With proper
forethought, algebraic composition can be made as solid and secure as that of ordinary roman type.