[73] Increasing the size of letter affects the form as though the nib were narrowed (see p. [324]).
[74] Some may be in “silver” (p. [165]).
[75] In a very short book these might even be built-up capitals.
[76] Palæographers call them “majuscules” (= “large letters”), but distinguish them from “Capitals.” For the purposes of the modern penman, however, they may be regarded as Round Capitals. (For their treatment, see pp. [297]–[299], and [304].)
[77] The writing in fig. [170] shows a slightly slanted pen. To make quite horizontal thins is difficult, and was probably never done, but it is worth attempting them nearly horizontal for the sake of training the hand.
[78] Note.—Single-line ruling is commonly used—the writing being on, or a little above or below, the line: this allows of greater freedom than the double line (see p. [304]).
[79] It is convenient to use the term “Italics” for both the cursive formal writing and the printing resembling it. Italic type was first used in a “Virgil” printed by Aldus Manutius of Venice in 1500. The type was then called “Venetian” or “Aldine.” It was counterfeited almost immediately (in Germany and Holland it was called “cursive”); Wynkin de Worde used it in 1524. It seems to have been originally intended for printing entire Classics, but was afterwards used to distinguish portions of the text (see also p. [373]).
[80] The Book is a catalogue of early Roman inscriptions: apparently a written copy of a printed book.
[81] With a sheet of paper 1118 inches by 16 inches the student might reconstruct these.
[82] Practising a more formal hand as a corrective would prevent this.