Page:Standard lettering (IA standardletterin01claf).pdf/24



The proportions of the letters and figures of this alphabet are the same as those of the vertical Roman Capitals just preceding, and those dimensions may be followed in laying out the slant capitals.

The difference in principle between the vertical and slant letters is that the top guide line is, so to speak, moved along to the right for a distance of three-eighths (H) of the height of the letter. The top points of all the vertical lines move with the top guide line, the bottom points remaining stationary. This brings the formerly vertical lines to what is known as the "3 in 8" slant, being 3 parts in 8 parts. The number of degrees of this slant is approximately 21.3°. (For a special triangle giving this slant see page 44.) This is the "official" slant for lettering, adopted universally.

The directions for laying out the vertical Roman Capital letters applies in the main to the slant letters. They may be followed accordingly, making, of course, the necessary changes occasioned by the slant; for instance the radii of the grace curves will be changed.

The following is an important point to be remembered:

'''RULE 8. All measurements pertaining to the HEIGHT of slant Roman Capitals must be laid out VERTICALLY.'''

To illustrate this point, take the Y for an example. 3½ U measured up from the base line gives the center line, which establishes the point where the light stroke joins. If this distance (3½ U) were measured on the slant it would not locate the center line, the proper place for the light stroke to join the heavy.

It will be observed, in this connection, that the "I," for instance, is lengthened by being converted into a slant letter of the "same height." The height, be it remembered, is measured vertically.