Page:Handbook of style in use at the Riverside press, Cambridge, Massachusetts (IA handbookofstylei00riverich).pdf/15



In General. Abbreviations as a rule are not acceptable in the text of a book, though they may be employed in tabulated statements, in lists of names, or in other places where it is desirable to save space. In technical matter and scientific works, abbreviations are of course desirable.

Forms of Address. The following abbreviations are to be used in all cases:—

Do not set the Rev., the Very Rev., the Right Rev., or the Hon., the Right Hon., except in quoted matter.

Military and Naval Titles are to be spelled out in all cases, except in tabular work, indexes, etc., where the saving of space is an object; so with Superintendent, Professor.

Proper Names. Christian names should always be spelled out, except where the abbreviated form is used in quoted matter, or in original signatures. Note that Alex, Ben, Ed, Fred, and Sam are not always abbreviations. Copy should always be followed as regards the period. In tabular or other matter, where abbreviations must be used, the following forms are preferred:—

Do not separate initials before a name, but put them together either at the end of one line or at the beginning of the next; as, “J. H. | Smith,” not “J. | H. Smith.”

In English or American family names, names of places or of church buildings, schools, etc., abbreviate St. for Saint; but where used in connection with French proper names, spell out in full; as, St. Paul, Minnesota, but Sainte-Beuve, Saint-Denis, Saint-Jean.

Firm Names. The character & is proper in the exact rendering of the signature or the authorized business name of a firm or corporation; but is not used in any other connection except in the facsimile reproduction of quoted matter. In firm names it is used between names of persons or with Co., Bro., or Bros.