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/310

 the full control of the printing-house. It must be assumed, however, that every thoughtfully treated book calls for three and sometimes four readings, of which one or two are given by the author and two invariably by the printing-house. The manuscript that has been hastily prepared always should have three readings, for it is more liable to error.

It is unsafe to give but one reading to a book, and it is equally unsafe to trust too much to the thoroughness of the author's reading. The two readings of the printing-house are most satisfactory when they have been done by different readers. The clean proof furnished to the second reader gives him a much better opportunity for the detection of errors, and he is or should be better qualified for critical reading.

The proof-reader should have before him written instructions defining the proper width and length of the page, the size and face of the type, the thickness of leads, the types to be selected for extracts, notes, chapter headings, and every other peculiarity. These instructions should be minute and thorough. Before he begins the reading of a new galley, or of the signature of a new form, he should make and satisfactorily answer these queries concerning the proper connection of old with new matter: