Their first object was to mark important words, or the beginnings of verses, chapters, or books. As Initial Letters they were much modified and embellished, and so gave rise to the art of Illumination (see pp. [113], [114]).
[CHAPTER II ACQUIRING A FORMAL HAND: (1) TOOLS] Acquiring a Formal Hand: Tools, &c. — The Desk — Paper & Ink — Pens: The Reed: The Quill — Of Quills generally — Pen-knife, Cutting-slab, &c.
ACQUIRING A FORMAL HAND: TOOLS, &C.
The simplest way of learning how to make letters is to acquire a fine formal hand. To this end a legible and beautiful writing (see p. [70]) should be chosen, and be carefully copied with a properly cut pen.
For learning to write, the following tools and materials are required:—
- Desk.
- Writing-paper.
- Ink and filler.
- Pens (Reed and Quill) with “springs.” [p049]
- Pen-knife, sharpening-stone, and cutting-slab.
- Magnifying glass.
- Two-foot (preferably three-foot) rule, and pencil.
- Linen pen-wiper.
THE DESK
