Alphabets.—For practical purposes the best letters are the Roman Capitals, Roman Small-Letters, and Italics. These are susceptible of very decorative treatment without loss of legibility. And there are many varieties of the pure Roman Capital (see figs. [203]–[207]), besides the “Gothicised” Roman and the simple “Gothic” Capitals, which are all essentially readable.
Different Sizes of Capitals in inscriptions in wood, stone, metal, &c., are generally kept approximately equal in “weight” (see p. [328]). Note.—A downward decrease in height of the letters is common in early inscriptions (p. [410]).
Incising is generally the most simple, and therefore the most natural, method for making an ordinary inscription. The letters should be large rather than small, and be deeply cut. Note, however, an incised stamp or die produces an impression in relief on clay, &c. This may be seen in the lettering on Roman pottery.
Raised Letters.—From the earliest times letters in relief (or litteræ prominentes) have been used for special purposes. They are generally rather more legible than the incised letters, and the difference between “thicks” and “thins” tends to disappear. [p378]
[Fig. 203.]—Hübner’s Exempla, No. 187 (14 scale of inscription), “Rustic Capitals” (see p. [297]) between A.D. 14–37.
[Fig. 204.]—Hübner’s Exempla, No. 384 (one-fifth scale of inscription). 1st or 2nd Century, A.D.
[Fig. 205.]—Hübner’s Exempla, No. 1084 (one-fourth scale of inscription). 2nd Century, A.D.