Page:The practice of typography; correct composition; a treatise on spelling, abbreviations, the compounding and division of words, the proper use of figures and nummerals by De Vinne, Theodore Low, 1828-1914.djvu/139

 means of distinction or display in the text, but they are seldom used consistently. It is a part of the duty of the compositor and the proof-reader to try to maintain consistency in the use of capitals, but this is difficult when one abandons rules that have proved useful in other work. In cases of doubt the capital may be safely omitted, for the style of an author is seriously vulgarized by an excessive use of capitals.

Capitals are largely used in the nomenclature of different sciences, but under rules that differ for each science. The study (not a cursory reading) of authoritative treatises on chemistry, botany, medicine, mineralogy, etc., will be required for an understanding of the different systems of capitalizing and abbreviating adopted in each of these sciences.

In job-work, and in many kinds of catalogue and pamphlet work, a free use of capitals is not only permissible but necessary. Precise rules for these kinds of work cannot be given, for they will have to be varied according to the subject-matter and the wishes of the publisher or writer.

In serious or standard books capitals should not be used too lavishly for marking emphasis in the text. A projecting capital in a text is like a rock in the current, for it diverts the eye and interrupts an even stream of attention. For the same reason, a free use of capitals is of service in mercantile blanks or catalogues, when they draw the