Page:Stenotypy- or, Shorthand by the typewriter .. (IA stenotypyorshort00quin).pdf/55

 fore, four, as in 4G, (foregoing). The figures 8 and 9 follow the same rule. p8 (pate); qI9 (quinine), whilst they, in common with the other figures and punctuation marks, stand for the affixes placed opposite them in the alphabet or key. If there is no space before or after the the figure or stop, you know it is used for an affix. cp7F (capable of). Here, the figure 7 meaning able, ment), having no space to left or right, is used as an affix. When used as a prefix, it must have one space to left. TZV7vEnC (It is very inconvenient). The figure 7 as a prefix, stands for incom-n, incog, encoun. The commercial ¢ besides standing for cent-s, also stands for ant, ent. Where a word-sign is used in the middle of a word, as "&7 (commandment); 4_J (forwardness). The & and _ being used for and-ward, there can be no mistaking the meaning. The J here would also mean Jesus or Jew, but the context will readily show the correct meaning. In regard to word-spacing, the guiding rules may all be expressed in one sentence, viz:-Wherever a CAPITAL letter, figure, or stop is used for a word-sign, there will be no space before or after such capital letter, figure, or stop. Each word-sign always retains its meaning as given in the alphabet."

The student will find the reading of Stenotypy so easy, that the rules for spacing between words that end with a small vowel or consonant, might in numerous instances, be overlooked. The word-signs are so frequently used that they assist the reader whenever the writer failed to observe the rules of word-spacing.

In concluding this little volume, the Author expresses sorrow for having so unsparingly to disparage other shorthand systems, but the wearisome defects of these systems were so apparent and numerous that no honest instructor could overlook them.

Whilst the human eye is undimmed, and the intellect capable of discerning metaphysical and physical excellence, there can be no hesitation in choosing a system which requires but a gentle tap with any of the ten fingers to form a syllable or word, in preference to those pen and pencil systems that require three positions, (McKee has five) above, below and on the line of horizontal, oblique or vertical strokes which must (in Pitmanic systems), be in heavy or light shading, and of half, whole or double length. The hooks, loops, circles, dots and other technical devices, used to express word-combinations or vowels are as puzzling as the hieroglyphics on a Chinese tea-chest. Hence no reporter would attempt to read the writing of another. Indeed, every first-class reporter must candidly admit, that while keeping pace with the human voice he must often depend on his memory and his own creations. The fact that Stenotypy exercises can be read at sight by anyone who knows the key or alphabet, must be regarded as a most valuable feature. In the words of the learned Bishop of Denver, 4lg7S&spEstn@pExlsV Kn sstmF)rt&. ("For legibility and speed, Stenotypy excels every known system of shorthand.") 49