After giving a list of matrices lost,[424] and quoting a catalogue of the matrices of the learned languages in the foundry in 1767, written by James himself (which varies considerably from the Catalogue presented at the sale, to be given later on), he observes:
“The specimen will show that several of the matrices are unjustified. This being but an accidental circumstance, does not in the least affect the goodness of the type, though it affects its appearance in the casting. The matrices were amassed at all events to augment the collection, and the operation of the file was suspended till a call for the type should make it necessary. So this defect is no more than a proof that the matrices have not been impaired by use.
“Another circumstance it may be necessary to mention relating to the difference in the number of matrices of the same face and body, which may lead to a suspicion that those of a lesser number are imperfect. But this is not the {224} fact. The difference arises from a difference in the quantity of ligations, which have been always cut in a greater or smaller number according to the humour or fancy of the artist. We own ourselves admirers of ligatures, for they are certainly ornamental and elegant, and it is to be wished that they could be used in typography with the same ease as they are displayed in calligraphy. But this is impossible; fusile types are not so tractable as the pen of a ready writer, and we scruple not to call a fount complete though it be destitute of every jugation. . . .
“A word or two must be added in relation to the Specimen. It was begun by Mr. James in the year 1736, in which year, after the decease of his father, he entered into business for himself, and was designed to show the variety of matrices with which his foundery abounded. Therefore it is a specimen only of the types which he could cast for those who wanted; no reference being made to the situation of the matrices from which he would have cast them. But notwithstanding the number of years intermediate, the Specimen was left unfinished by Mr. James at the time of his death, and that which was left has been mangled since his decease. Not that there was any occasion for such references, for Mr. James was possessed of the matrices, and consequently of the secret of adapting them to his purpose. To supply this deficiency in a specimen of the matrices (for as such the specimen is now to be considered) has been attended with trouble incredible to anyone but one who upon a like occasion shall attempt the same. And such an occasion we believe there will never be.
“For the Specimen some apology is to be made; neither the form nor the matter is so judicious as we could wish, but the greatest part of it was composed long ago, and it was almost impossible now to alter it. Incorrectness must be overlooked, because Letter Founders generally compose their own specimens, and this might be sufficient to apologise for deficiencies in the Composing part. But we must use another plea in extenuation of enormities in this part unavoidable; the confinement of large-bodied letters to a narrow measure; though for blemishes of this sort the just allowance will be made by those of judgement. It shows the letter, the common purpose of this kind of specimens.
“We have inserted specimens of several matrices which the great improvements made in the art of letter-cutting have rendered altogether useless in typography; but these specimens will be found of critical use to an antiquary, for whose sake we have inserted them, regardless of the charge that we deform our Specimen, or of another more material accusation, that by multiplying particulars we endeavour to enhance the value of our foundery. The latter we can easily refute; for the sets we speak of, besides the rudeness of the workmanship, are imperfect, and consequently unsaleable, and will probably be taken {225} from the foundery before it is disposed of to prevent the trouble of a future garbling,[425] and this consideration must extend to those objections which may be made against things cast in haste without justification, for the purpose only of shewing the faces.
“Hitherto we have spoken only of Matrices. The punches, though in order they are first, must come last; and of them we have but little to say; for these having performed their office by formation of the matrice are generally like other useful instruments which have discharged their duty, neglected, discarded and thrown away.
“The entire loss, the waste and the rubbish in our foundery in this article are great. The waste and rubbish are in weight about 120 lbs., and were we to put down tale instead of weight (the pusils which seem to make the greater part of this quantity not much exceeding in largeness the little end of a poinctrel) the number would be very great. But covetous of preserving the remembrance of everything which in Mr. James’ Foundery was curious or uncommon, we have re-scrutinized these, and have left behind us nothing but the Roman and Italic in which is nothing either curious or uncommon.
“The same likewise have we done to the matrices, the waste of which now remaining and disposed of in order is in number about 2,600,[426] the rubbish in weight about 1⁄2 cwt.
“A work of some trouble but virtù hath been gratified amongst the rubbish of punches by some originals of Wynkyn de Worde, some punches of the 2-line Great Primer English.[427] They are truly vetustate formâque et squalore venerabiles, and we would not give a lower-case letter in exchange for all the leaden cups of Haerlem.”[428]