[Fig. 169.]—Part of [Plate V.] (q.v.), enlarged three times linear.
Uncials may be “round” (see [Plate IV.], fig. [5], and p. [304]), or “pointed” (see fig. [169], and p. [413]).
CAPITALS & SMALL-LETTERS
During the development of Small-Letters from Capitals but little distinction was made in their use, and such capital forms as N and R were freely and promiscuously used in the round minuscule writings, together with the small-letters n and r (see Plates [VI.], [VII.]). On the other hand, Small-Letter forms were frequently written larger and used as initials. In Irish and Anglo-Irish MSS. these were filled inside with green, yellow, or red, and surrounded outside with red dots, or otherwise decorated with colour (see fig. [7], and [Plate VI.]).
In early MSS., therefore, one does not find an alphabet of Simple-Written Capitals, which is peculiar to a given small text. But we may employ a kindred capital—such as the round Uncial for the round Half-Uncial. And a fitting alphabet may always be constructed, from the “Roman” or “Uncial” types of Capitals (footnote, p. [300]), by taking the same pen with which the small-letters have been made and using it in a similar manner: “straight” for “straight-pen” writing, and “slanted” for “slanted-pen” writing (see figs. [147], [148]).
When in doubt as to the type of Capital—for any purpose—use Roman Capitals.
EARLY, ROUND, UPRIGHT, FORMAL HANDS Examples: Half-Uncials—fig. [6] (Roman); [Plate VI.] (Irish), [Plate VII.] (English) fig. [170] later; see also pp. [40], [44], [413]–[415]. Uncials ([Plate IV.] and p. [38]). [p304]
The main types are the “round” Uncial and Half-Uncial, commonly written with an approximately “straight pen.”[77] They are generally treated as fine writing (p. [262]), and written between ruled lines: this has a marked effect in preserving their roundness (see p. [414]).
[Fig. 170.]—Part of an English eight-century MS. (British Museum, Case C, No. 68), enlarged three times linear.