It being admitted, then, that the compositor is to be held responsible in most cases, he should remember that loose punctuation,[52] especially in scientific and philosophical works, is to be avoided.[53] We will again quote Mr. De Vinne: ‘Two systems of punctuation are in use. One may be called the close or stiff, and the other the open or easy system. For all ordinary descriptive writing the open or easy system, which teaches that points be used sparingly, is in most favor, but the close or stiff system cannot be discarded.’[54] The compositor who desires to inform himself as to the principles and theory of punctuation will find abundant information in the works mentioned in the footnote on [p. 55]; in our own booklet there is space only for a few cautions and a liberal selection of examples; authority for the examples, when they are taken from the works of other writers, being given in all cases.
The Comma.
Commas should, as a rule, be inserted between adjectives preceding and qualifying substantives, as—
An enterprising, ambitious man.
A gentle, amiable, harmless creature.
A cold, damp, badly lighted room.[55]
But where the last adjective is in closer relation to the substantive than the preceding ones, omit the comma, as—
A distinguished foreign author.
The sailor was accompanied by a great rough Newfoundland dog.[{55}]
Where and joins two single words or phrases the comma is usually omitted; e.g.