Kerned Letters are types that have part of the face hanging over either one or both sides of the body. In Roman, f and j are the only kerned letters; but, in Italic, d, g, j, l, y are kerned on one side, and f on both sides of its face. Most Italic capitals are kerned on one side of the face.
The Double Letters in modern use are ff, fi, ffi, fl, ffl; and these are so cast to prevent the breaking of the beak of the f when used before a tall letter. The diphthongs æ and œ may be classed among double letters.
Printers divide a fount of letter into two classes.
| 1. | The upper case | } | sorts. |
| 2. | The lower case |
The upper case sorts are capitals, small capital letters, references, dashes, braces, commercial signs and fractions.
The lower case consists of small letters, double letters, figures, points, spaces and quadrates.
CAPITALS.
Lindley Murray gives the following judicious directions in regard to the use of capital letters:—
It was formerly the custom to begin every noun with a capital; but as this practice was troublesome, and gave the writing or printing a crowded and confused appearance, it has been discontinued. It is, however, very proper to begin with a capital,—
1. The first word of every book, chapter, letter, note, or any other piece of writing; and,