Burroughs Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889 | Page 2

The subject of the importance of good writing is as broad as its use.
Reaching out in every direction, and pervading every corner of
civilized society, from the humblest up to the highest employments, it

is a servant of man, second only in importance to that of speech itself.
In the world of business its value is seen, from the simplest record or
memorandum, up to the parchment which conveys a kingdom. Without
it, the wheels of commerce could not move a single hour. At night it
has recorded the transactions of the Bank of England during the day; of
London; of the whole world.
Through the art of writing, the deeds of men live after them, and we
may surround ourselves with the companionship of philosophers,
scientists, historians, discoverers and poets; and their discoveries, and
reasonings and imaginings become ours. In the amenities of social life,
through the medium of the pen, heart speaks to heart, though ocean
rolls between. Thoughts of tenderness and affection live when we are
gone, and words and deeds of kindness are not preserved by
monuments alone. What fountains of grief or joy have been opened in
the hearts of those who have read the records of the pen! The pen has
recorded the rapturous emotions of love reciprocated. The pen has
written the message of sadness which has covered life's pilgrimage with
gloom. The pen has traced the record of noble and useful lives, spent in
humanity's cause. The songs of the poet, the beautiful tints of his
imagination, the flights of the orator in the realms of fancy, and the
facts of history, would all perish as the dew of morning, without this
noble art of writing.
As a means of livelihood, there is perhaps no other department of
education which affords such universal and profitable employment, as
writing. From the mere copyist, up to the practical accountant, and
onward into that department of penmanship designated as a fine art, the
remuneration is always very ample, considering the time and effort
required in its acquisition.
Teachers, editors, farmers, doctors and all persons should possess a
practical and substantial knowledge of writing, and should be ready
with the pen. Business men must of course be ready writers, and hence,
in a treatise on business, designed for the education and advancement
of the youth of the country, it seems eminently fitting to first make the
way clear to a plain, practical handwriting. Neatness and accuracy

should characterize the hand-writing of every one. Botch-work and
bungling are inexcusable, as well in writing as in the transaction of
business. No person has a right to cause a tinge of shame to their
correspondent, by sending a letter addressed in a stupid and awkward
manner, nor to consume the time of another in deciphering the illegible
hooks and scrawls of a message. Every one should have the ambition to
write respectably as well as to appear respectable on any occasion.
MATERIALS USED IN WRITING.
Having a suitable desk or table, arranged with reference to light, in
order to learn to write, it is necessary to be provided with proper
materials. Writing materials abundant and so cheap in these times that
no excuse is afforded for using an inferior or worthless quality. The
materials consist of Pens, Ink and Paper.
PENS.
Steel pens are considered the best. Gold pens have the advantage of
always producing the same quality of writing, while steel pens, new or
old, produce finer or courser lines. Notwithstanding this advantage in
favor of the gold pen, steel pens adhere to the paper, and produce a
better line. The pen should be adapted to the hand of the writer. Some
persons require a coarse pen, and some fine. Elastic pens in the hand of
one writer may produce the best results, while a less flexible pen may
suit the hand of others best. Pens are manufactured of almost an infinite
grade and quality, in order to suit the requirements of all. About the
only rule that can be given in selecting pens, is to write a few lines, or a
page, with each of the pens on trial, and then compare the writing. If it
be shaded too heavily, select a less flexible pen, if the hair lines are too
delicate, select a coarser pen.
INK.
Black ink is always preferable. That which is free from sediment and
flows well, should be selected. Use an inkstand with broad base as
being less liable to upset. With persons in learning to write it is perhaps
best to have a quality of ink which is perfectly black when put on the

paper, in order that they may see the results of their labor at once.
Business men and accountants prefer a fluid ink, however, which,
although not black at first,