Transcriber’s Notes

The text of the original publication, including inconsistencies in spelling, hyphenation, formatting, etc. has been retained, except as mentioned below. Names and publications that were spelled differently in various places have not been standardised. The sorting of the index has not been changed.

Depending on the hard- and software used and their settings, not all characters and symbols may display as intended.

The original work uses distinct types for handwriting and blackletter. These may be difficult to read; hovering the mouse pointer over these texts will display the text in a font type that is easier to read (this may not be available in all formats).

Phrases such as “this century,” “last century,” “the present day,” “modern,” etc. should be read with 1866 (the year of publication of the first impression) as the reference point.

Links to Plates have been provided at those places where the sign is described or explained extensively, not at every single mention of the sign.

The cover image has been made for this e-text, and is placed in the public domain.