Page:The American Cyclopædia (1879) Volume XVI.djvu/889

 with it, and whatever is casually alluded to in such a manner as to convey useful intelligence by the connection or otherwise.

2. By inserting in the index subjects not treated of by name, on which information may be found under other names.

The plan of the index is as follows:

All names of persons or objects in connection with which any information is given, and would naturally be sought in that connection, are entered alphabetically, the titles of leading articles distinguished by.

Of articles of great length the leading divisions are entered to facilitate reference.

On many subjects the information sought is scattered through different articles, to which reference is made in the index.

When there are two or more names, or more than one mode of spelling the name, of the same person or object, each is entered in its alphabetical order.

Names formed with an originally separate prefix are entered as they are commonly written; as De Kalb, De la Beche, Le Clerc, Delacroix, Descartes. Surnames and titles, by which some personages are about equally known, are both inserted.

All pictorial representations of objects described, with which this edition is profusely illustrated in the best style of engraving, are entered by name in their proper connection, with the abbreviation (illustr.) annexed. They are also entered separately, where this is deemed necessary, or convenient for ready reference. For example: Torsion balance (Coulomb's), partially described under Balance (vol. ii., p. 234, 1st col.), is fully explained under Electricity (vol. vi., p. 503, 2d col.), and is represented to the eye as clearly as by the instrument itself in the illustration on p. 504. The illustration is referred to in the index under Coulomb, and also under Torsion balance. Objects thus represented to the eye, without being named in the text, are also entered by name in the index; as, the Aryballos (Egyptian), represented on p. 779 of vol. xiii., Phoenician vase, ibid. Much that can be communicated only by pictorial illustration is thus brought to the reader's notice.

The index is to be first consulted, when information is sought on any subject. Time is thus saved by directing attention to the volume, page, and part of the page, where what is sought may be found. It will thus be seen whether the subject is treated of by name in a leading article so entitled, or in connection with some other subject; saving the trouble of first seeking it in the, and then by the aid of the index. It often happens, moreover, that important light is thrown on the subject of one leading article by the views presented in others, to which attention is directed by the index.

In the references to the the first numeral (Roman) refers to the volume, the second and third (Arabic) respectively to the page and column, and the letters, a, b, c, to the first, second, or third part of the column. E. g., “Titanotherium, vi., 673, 1, c,” means that what is said of it may be found in the sixth volume, page 673, 1st column, lower third of the column. References to the index itself are followed by that word in parentheses; as, Licks (Salt), see Salt-licks (Index).

A few examples will indicate the use and value of an index to the general reader.