I JC DEI C- A. GLOVER, p A c i F i c OR r- v r , ' A L I F < R N STYLE-BOOK Oi BUSINESS ENGLISH FOR HIGH SCHOOLS, BUSINESS COURSES, REGENTS' AND TEACHERS' EXAMINATIONS, ETC. BY H. W. HAMMOND 4* INSTRUCTOR OF SHORTHAND AND TYPEWRITING, TEACHERS* COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, 1909-1911 AND MAX J. HERZBERG HEAD OF THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT, CENTRAL COMMERCIAL AND MANUAL TRAINING HIGH SCHOOL, NEWARK, NJ. SIXTH REVISED EDITION NEW YORK ISAAC PITMAN & SONS, PUBLISHERS, 2 WEST 45TH STREET AND AT LONDON, BATH AND MELBOURNE TORONTO, CANADA The Commercial Text-Book Co. OR The Copp, Clark Co., Limited 1914 ^ ( EDUCATION DEFJ PREFACE THIS text, which for a number of years has successfully met the need of a manual of business English in a great many schools throughout the country, has now been revised so as to adapt it even more closely to existing conditions. It has been the design of the authors to fit it particularly for use in the commercial courses of high schools. But, as in the past, it will be found well suited for use in business colleges, in the business courses of colleges and universities, and in the general and academic courses of high schools. It may be noted, with reference to the last group, that more and more educators are coming to realize the importance of a knowledge of business English for every type of student. The lawyer and the doctor, the clergyman and the engineer must write business letters, as well as the manufacturer, the stenographer, and the corresponding clerk. Finally, students preparing for Regents' Examinations in Business English will find this book of more than ordinary helpfulness. There is no feature of the present volume which has not been successfully employed in an actual school. Among the special features of the Sixth Edition may be mentioned the more logical arrangement, the insertion of review questions and exercises for every chapter, and the more complete treatment. In every instance, the usage indicated has been based on actual correspondence, but the material has been so arranged as to be pedagogically most effective. The authors will be grateful for suggestions of every character, and will be glad to answer all inquiries on the style, the teaching, and the matter of this text May, 1914. 5 4 *".'(> 6 CONTENTS PAGE" PREFACE iii INTRODUCTION : Practical Value of Business English How to Use the Style-Book .... ix CHAPTER I SOME GENERAL DIRECTIONS ...... 1 The order of items in a letter ..... 1 Brevity in sentences ..... Review questions ....... 5 Exercises ....... 5 CHAPTER II SOME MATTERS OF FORM ..... 6 The seven parts of a letter ...... 6 Addresses of officials, the clergy, etc. . . . .15 Folding and inserting the letter-sheet .... 24 Review questions ....... 25 Exercises ........ 26 CHAPTER III SOME MATTERS OF FORM (continued) . . . .28 Punctuation capitalization the possessive case con- tractionsfigures and signs proof-reading . . 28 Review questions ....... 39 Exercises . . . . . . 42 CHAPTER IV SOCIAL AND FRIENDLY LETTERS ..... 43 Social correspondence ...... 43 Formal and informal writings ..... 47 Letters of condolence, congratulation, and introduction. 48 Review questions ....... 52 Exercises ........ 53 CHAPTER V THE CHOICE OF WORDS IN LETTERS .... 55 The use of plain Anglo-Saxon terms .... 56 Latin and Greek words used in business ... 58 Review questions . . . . . . .61 Exercises 62 VI CONTENTS CHAPTER VI LETTERS OF APPLICATION ...... 68 How to get a situation ...... 69 Value of correspondence demonstrated .... 73 Appearance as a factor ...... 78 Review questions ....... 82 Exercises ........ 84 CHAPTER VII LETTERS OFFERING BUSINESS . . . .87 Business propositions . . . . . .87 Letters as contracts importance of accuracy . . 93 Letters asking credit ...... 95 Review questions % . . . . . .95 Exercises . ' . . . . . . . 96 CHAPTER VIII LETTERS OF INQUIRY . 100 Use of the broken paragraph the broken sentence the sectional paragraph . . . . . .102 Spelling the division of words at the end of lines. . 107 Review questions . . . . . .112 Exercises ..*. . . . . .114 CHAPTER IX LETTERS ORDERING GOODS REMITTANCES . . .117 Contractual nature of letters ordering goods. . . 119 The use of the paragraph in itemizing. . . .122 The five" kinds of remittances . . . . .122 Review questions . . . . . . .124 Exercises . . . . . . 118, 125, 127 CHAPTER X LETTERS OF COMPLAINT . . . . . .129 Politeness in letters 129 Review questions . . . . . . .135 Exercises ......... 135 CHAPTER XI LETTERS TO DEBTORS . . . . . . .138 The four classes of debtors . . . . . .138 Collection of accounts . . . . . .144 Review questions ....... 147 Exercises . . . . . . . . 147 CONTENTS Vll CHAPTER XII CIRCULAR OR FORM-LETTERS MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS . 150 Function of form letters . . . . . .150 Letters of resignation and recommendation . . .154 Review questions . . . . . . .155 Exercises 155 CHAPTER XIII TESTING YOURSELF: How TO SECURE A PERFECT LETTER. 157 Twenty-five tests for any letter . . . . .157 A diagram to test any letter . . . . .158 Advice to stenographers . . . . . .159 Review questions on typewriting style . . . .160 General review questions . . . . .162 Exercise to test knowledge of typewriting . . . 163 CHAPTER XIV GENERAL REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE . . . .164 Questions on correspondence . . . . .164 Questions on commercial terms, etc. .... 165 Review exercises and narratives in correspondence. . 165 A Regents' Examination in Business English. . . 168 CHAPTER XV DUTIES OF A PRIVATE SECRETARY . . . .172 Summary of secretary's duties ..... 173 Secretary's narrative . . . . . .176 Review questions . . . . . .177 CHAPTER XVI SOME HINTS ON THE POST OFFICE SERVICE . . .178 Postal points 179 Postal information ....... 180 Review questions ....... 182 CHAPTER XVII THE TELEGRAPH SERVICE TELEGRAMS, CABLEGRAMS, MAR- CONIGRAMS 183 General hints for telegrams and cablegrams . . .183 Wireless telegraphy ....... 185 Review questions ....... 186 Exercises 186 Viii CONTENTS CHAPTER XVIII FILING AND INDEXING 188 Introduction . . . . . . . .189 Record-keeping and record-filing systems . . .191 The card-system sizes of cards, index-guides, trays and cabinets 193 The card-system in operation . . . . .201 Indexing cards alphabetically ..... 203 The card-system follow-up . . . . . 205 Record-filing the vertical system, alphabetical folders and guides, indexing by states and towns, numerical indexing, indexing by subject, Shannon and loose-sheet systems ........ 207 Filing-systems the receptacle ..... 220 Card-system narrative ...... 222 CHAPTER XIX APPENDIX ......... 228 Review questions . . . . . . . 228 1 Abbreviations of commercial terms, etc.. . - . 230 2 Words with troublesome endings .... 236 3 Glossary of words and phrases used in business, with illustrations 239 INDEX 251 INTRODUCTION IT is a common error, prevailing among many otherwise intelligent persons, that a knowledge of the forms of English used in the transaction of business (what is commonly known as " business English ") is necessary only to those who intend to enter a com- mercial life. As a matter of fact, every successful person, in whatever walk of life, is successful largely because of the possession of certain business qualities. This is true alike of the poet and the lawyer, of the architect and the physician. Foremost among such business qualities should be reckoned the ability to compose a smooth, correct letter, to express one's ideas in commercial matters with accuracy and clearness, and to grasp the ordinary details of office organization. Such knowledge is indispensable for a clerk and a stenographer and for business men in general ; but it is probably almost as important that the average person have command of similar ability. The matter of this volume may be divided into two parts. In the first place, the student will find herein certain facts. These facts relate chiefly to the forms that correspondence takes. In the second place, practice is given in actual writing, this writing being of numerous varieties. In addition, there have been gathered in this volume, for the sake of convenience, a great many details that must prove of much assistance to the person unacquainted with the methods of office organization and with the minutiae of the postal and telegraph systems. Pupils, as a rule, and oftentimes teachers, underrate the value of style in business writing. The thousand points on displaying of the letter on the page, spacing, proper titles, salutations, complimentary closes, punctuation, capitalization, compounding, abbreviations, use of accents, distinguishing between Anglicized, partly Anglicized, and un-Anglicized foreign terms, selection of words, spelling, sentence construction, paragraphing, grammar, etc., are of vital importance ; in fact, the knowledge of this con- stitutes the difference between an experienced and an unexperienced business writer. Inability may be concealed by resorting to the X INTRODUCTION dictionary, but weakness in style is always apparent. This is fully as important as spelling ; it is, in fact, what may be called " higher spelling," a " knowledge of form." Grammar excepted, " bad form " is the worst of errors. Into the Style-Book has been put only such information as is absolutely necessary to the beginner. If he fails to qualify in this and goes out unable to display the language in proper business- English style he is certain to join the great army of the underpaid or the unemployed. It is to avoid this fate that the Style-Book was written ; its source was the errors in the papers of 5,000 pupils qualifying for a commercial career. It has been found that graduates in commercial schools where business English is not taught have but a forty-per-cent. knowledge of the information in the Style-Book, yet it contains not one single dispensable item. That the method of this text may be made clearer, the various divisions of this method may be briefly described. The actual text considers, from the standpoint of actual business practice, present-day usage on the topic under discussion. This usage is further illustrated by the citation of actual letters. The student's mastery of this usage is tested in three ways by test-letters, which the student is asked to correct ; by exercises calling for the writing of letters by the student ; and by frequent review and test questions that bring into play the student's comprehension of the entire drill. Emphasis is laid on the matters most important to the student, from a practical viewpoint. Although the terms " letters " and " correspondence " have been employed throughout this Introduction, it should be understood that other forms of business writing are also included in the survey that " The Style-Book of Business English " makes. Also, an account is given of methods of filing, of the rules of the postal and telegraph systems, etc. Finally, some hints are given with respect to social notes and letters to friends. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH CHAPTER I SOME GENERAL DIRECTIONS To BEGIN with, a few general directions may be given that apply to all kinds of writing, to business English in particular, and especially to the style used in correspondence. All good writing is individual straight from the person. Any kind of writing, whether it be a poem or a letter, which has a touch of individuality in it, is a striking letter ; and generally speaking, a striking letter is a successful letter. That is, it helps to secure what the writer seeks new business, money that is owing, a position, or information. If your letter resembles the letters of hundreds of others, it will not secure attention. You must make your reader feel that you are different, probably better. To this rule, that writing must be individual, practically all other rules yield place. To secure this difference, however, this individuality, a certain alertness and aliveness are necessary. No one can write a good letter or hold a good " job " who does not possess these qualities. Then one should cultivate habits of accuracy and correctness, together with certain allied traits. When one says that such and such a person is " business-like," one means that he comes straight to the point, that he is punctual, that he cultivates exactness, that he has a command of important facts, and so on. All these qualities are of vital importance in business correspondence and in a business office. In social notes they are perhaps equally important, although not so evident. Only in correspondence between intimate friends may they be more or less neglected. Sometimes, however, this neglect is carried too far. Some special points may now be considered. The first paragraph of a business letter should contain a summary of the letter to be answered, and the subsequent paragraphs should deal with the various items in the order of their importance, the unimportant parts coming last. In reading a letter to be answered 1 2 :..'"::..: .'STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH one's best attention is generally given to the opening of the letter, the following parts receiving less and less, especially if the matter be not of considerable importance ; therefore, the more important should precede the less. In case of interruption or haste on the reader's part it is better to have the greatest effort of attention expended on the first and more essential parts. Besides, some business men prefer that one subject only be treated in a letter, as it renders future reference to the subject much easier. Many business houses file their letters under the index of subject of the letter ; as, " Complaints," " Specifications," etc. This alone renders it unadvisable to treat different subjects in the same letter. To insure prompt consideration and earliest reply to important points arrange the paragraphs in the order of merit. The accurate correspondent answers the subjects of the letter according to merit regardless of their order in the original letter. This straightens out faulty correspondence and renders future letters easier to handle. Do not inform a correspondent of the receipt of his letter. The fact that your answer contains a summary of his and a reference to the date of reception is sufficient. (See page 3.) Avoid the use of worn-out and meaningless words. When reference is made to the reception of the letter an indirect manner is better than the senseless phrases : I am in receipt of Yours at hand I beg to acknowledge I saw your ad. in the Times Compare : We beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter We have your letter and the time lost in useless phraseology will be seen to be important. The letter on the opposite page illustrates this indirect style. What do the dots underneath " additional " indicate ? In letters, the length of the sentence should never be absent from the mind, as the primary objects are to hold attention and to persuade busy people. It is well to assume that every one is busy and has a hundred letters of his own to compose, with time for a STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH//- ', ; $ CARTWRIGHT & HENDERSON GENERAL CONTRACTORS 291 Huron St. Boston, Mass., January 2. 1909. Messrs. Allen & Sons, 199 Washington St., Boston, Mass. Re Boston Building Gentlemen : The matter of the iron beams for the Boston Mfg. Co.'s Building, to which objection has been made on account of alleged defects, and the proposal to replace them with Al material, as mentioned in your letter of January 1, are receiving careful attention. Your postscript, calling our attention to the fact that ail employees engaged in the construction of the building must be strictly union, with wages at 25 cents an hour, minimum, has been referred to our counsel for advice, as the contract does not, according to our understanding, provide for this. As $3,000,- 000 is involved in this contract, you will see that a great sum is in dispute. It would oblige us if you would put an additional inspector on this job to pass on the work while it is being done, as it was understood on our part from the beginning that you would do so. Consequently, we are not inclined to admit our responsibility for faulty construction when discovered too late to be changed without expense to us. Yours truly. Observe that the first and the second paragraphs contain two special points : 1. A summary of the letter to be answered. 2. An indirect reference to its reception. 3. Do not use postscript or N. B. paragraphs. If you wish to place special emphasis on certain words, underscore in black or red or write in red. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH passing glance only at those of others. The shorter the letter, as a rule, the more attention it receives. Thus one firm, which conducts a very large correspondence, writes : " We have noticed that the short, to-the-point letter, with short sentences, and above all things, direct, is the one that wins." The degrees of comparison should be toward short, shorter, and shortest, rather than toward long, longer, and longest. A good .rule is that one idea only, with its necessary modifiers, is sufficient to make a sentence. The making of unnecessary compound sentences by joining two sentences with " and " should be avoided. A short sentence should have about ten words, a long one, twenty that is, one line and two lines. Where possible a sentence should end with the line, as it economizes attention and facilitates the reading of two or more lines simultaneously. Several properly worded sentences, each beginning the line and thus coming within easy range of the quick-reading eye, may be read rapidly, thoroughly, and almost at once. Let a long sentence be followed by one or two shorter ones in order to relieve the monotony of composition and to rest the mind. Where a complicated thought is to be expressed an appearance of brevity should be given to it by a careful selection of short words. Short sentences and small words are always preferable in letters to people unaccustomed to ex- tensive reading. There should be no sign, however, of restrained effort, lest it be discovered and the person offended. Similarly, the wording of letters to well-educated, non-commercial people should tend toward longer sentences and literary excellence. Composition and profit are convertible terms, provided one has the capacity to turn ideas at will into simple, complex, or compound formation. A good way to acquire the art of writing concise sentences of moderate length is to write out the whole thought without restraint. Then omit all words not necessary to make the points clear and decisive. A few days' practise will produce great facility, which, in a few weeks, will become habitual. In the way of summary, it may be noted that the good letter requires attention at all points the material to be included, the style as a whole, the paragraphing, the construction of sentences, and the actual wording. The price of success is constant vigilance. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Review Questions for Chapter I 1 If a letter contains several items of varying importance, which one comes first in answering ? 2 Why do business houses request that only one subject be treated in a single letter ? 3 If there is more than one subject in the letter can the letter be filed according to subject ? 4 Do you bluntly inform a correspondent that you have received his letter ? 5 How do you accomplish this purpose indirectly ? 6 Define and illustrate " indirect reference." 7 Besides conveying a thought, what other purpose should you have in mind when building a sentence ? 8 Why is a short, clear sentence preferable to a long rambling one connected by " and's " and " but's " ? 9 Why is the following not a good compound sentence ? The stars shone brightly yesterday, and desks have movable tops these days, but corn steadily increases in value. 10 What is a good rule for limiting the length of the sentence ? 11 About how many words should a sentence have ? 12 Where in the line is it best to have the sentence end ? 13 What is meant by " economy of the reader's attention " ? 14 How would you vary the monotony of too many short sentences ? 15 How should " $3000000 " be punctuated and divided like a long word at the end of a line? [Note: Figures should, however, as a rule not be divided.] 16 How is " twenty-five cents " written in figures ? 17 What does a line of dots mean under words ? 18 What is the difference in composition between a sentence and a paragraph ? What does 1] mean ? 19 What sentences do not end with a period ? 20 What is the rule regarding postscripts ? Exercises 1 Write a letter to a friend in your class giving him some " pointers " on letter- writing. Tell him what the possible value may be to him of being able to write a good, telling letter. Try to observe the principles of good paragraphing. 2 It is supposed that pupils have written letters to one another in accordance with above directions. Let each pupil answer the letter he has received, add any hints not contained in the letter to him, and perhaps point out some defects he has noticed in this letter. CHAPTER II SOME MATTERS OF FORM IF every correspondent would only remember the fact that any letter he sends goes forth to the world is his personal representative, more care would be exercised in the matter of appearance. Most people realize the importance of personal appearance as a factor in intercourse among men. A neat, attractive appearance is an advantage ; a careless, slovenly exterior repels immediately. Letters have exactly similar effects. A neat, attractive note persuades the man who receives it in the writer's favor, whereas a careless, slovenly letter is usually confided at once to the tender attentions of the waste-basket. Smudges, hasty penmanship or inaccurate typing, note-paper disfigured with awkward creases, mistakes in the forms of salutation or close, poor spacing of the items of the address, and the like, all win disfavor. One should cultivate habits of correct usage, in these particulars, right from the beginning. None of the forms proper in correspondence are difficult to learn, and once learned any deviation will seem very distasteful. Acquire the habit. Generally speaking, every letter contains the following seven parts : 1 The Date-line 2 The Introductory Address 3 The Salutation 4 The Body 5 The Complimentary Close 6 The Signature 7 The Superscription We may now analyze these parts in detail. A. The Date-line Pupils have great difficulty in memorizing the correct way to punctuate the date-line. Every full date-line has four parts 1. The city or town. 2. The State. 3. The month and its date. 4. The year. Attention may be called to the full meaning of a date-line ; as, In the City of New York, in the State of New York, on the 19th of May, in the year 1913. In the reduction to modern 6 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Form for Business Letter DATE-LINE TITLE AND NAME INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS CITY AND STATE SALUTATION BODY OF LETTER COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE SIGNATURE 2 (400) 8 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH form the connecting words were omitted and commas inserted instead, thus : New York, N. Y., May 19, 1913. Break up the habit of treating " 10th," " 2d," etc., as abbreviations and writing them as " 10th.," " 2d.," etc. Note that the composition of these words is in a mixed style of Arabic figures and Roman letters. They are mixed forms, not abbreviations. The punctuation of this date line varies, as well as the division by lines. Some punctuate and divide as follows : 20 Dunbar Street, New York, N. Y., May 19, 1913. Others again place all those facts on two lines, in that case inserting a semicolon after N. Y. So far as the punctuation in general is concerned, there has been within recent years a distinct movement away from what is called " close punctuation " towards what is called " open punctuation." In the latter system no punctuation is placed at the ends of lines, except for abbreviations. Thus the item would read : 20 Dunbar Street New York, N. Y. May 19, 1913 There is even a tendency not to use any marks at all, as on the title-page of a book. A few firms call attention to their letters by a peculiarity in the date-line. Thus one famous corporation makes the date beneath the letter-head read : October tenth Nineteen hundred and thirteen B. Introductory Address, Salutation, and Superscription For purposes of convenience, these three items may be studied together. The Introduction and the Address on the envelope (Superscription) are as a rule exactly the same. Generally either two or three items appear the name of the person addressed, the street and street-number of his residence, and the, STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Form for Official or Social Letter HEADING SALUTATION BODY OF LETTER COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE SIGNATURE NAME ADDRESS 10 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH EDISON ELECTRIC Co. NEW YORK Mr. Jas. A. Miller, 726 Jamestown Ave., Washington, D. C. Chas. Beardsley, Lakeview City, Minnesota. Wabash Co. If uncal W. H. Hon. C. A. Andrews, Pres. National Bank, Topeka, Kansas. Introducing Mr. F. A. Heine. C. F. Youngsterling, Charlestown, Iowa. The Brown Co. The first line of the superscription should be centered on the envelope. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 11 Illustrating the Spacing of a Short, and a Long, Name-line CO fc O CO W .2 CD CT) CO CD D K ^ 8 w PH H-l W Q W PH cd 1 T3 03 PL, S Chestnu (^ O W W H 12 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH place and state in which he lives. Sometimes other items must be added the county, the name of a foreign land, the name of a firm. The placing of all the items should be determined largely by the number of items and by the principles of artistic spacing. The rules of punctuation are the same as for the date-line either open or close. The Salutation of a letter is a dignified written substitute for the " How do you do ? " with which we greet a man in conversation. There is no excuse for omitting it, or for omitting the complimentary close, which is like " Good day " in conversation. The forms of salutation are more definitely illustrated later. It may now be noted that the Salutation in addressing an imaginary John Smith varies in formality in the following order : 1 Sir : 5 Dear Mr. Smith : 2 My dear Sir : 6 My dear Smith : 3 Dear Sir : 7 Dear Smith : 4 My dear Mr. Smith : 8 Dear John : etc. In punctuating the Salutation only one form may be employed in a business letter the customary colon. Attention is called to the fact that it is not possible to use two punctuation points for the same purpose ; therefore, a dash or a hyphen should not be used after the colon. The comma and dash are never used except occasionally in social letters. Inasmuch as a dash after a colon can have no use as a punctuation point it must, therefore, be used as an ornament. Now, if ornaments are used in punctuation, why not use other points equally or more ornamental, such as a star, a dagger, an index-point, etc. ? Be consistent, and omit the dash after the colon. The use of the proper form of Salutation is a question that should receive due consideration in the writing of every letter No man likes to be called " out of " his name or his title, or, by the way, to have his name misspelled. It is a requisite both of courtesy and good business to be accurate in such matters. The salutation to be used for several women, single or married, is " Mesdames." The necessity of the French word springs from the fact that there is no equivalent word in the English language. In the English language there is no plural for the word " Madam." Take notice that although one may say " Dear Madam " it is not proper to STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 13 use the word " Dear " before " Mesdames." Thus, singular " Dear Madam," plural " Mesdames." The salutation for a girl is " Dear Miss ," although " Dear Madam " is frequently used. The better form is " Dear Miss ." The custom of negligent women of not indicating sex and social status by correct signatures causes untold embarrassment to business houses. To overcome this difficulty it was formerly customary to place (Miss) or (Mrs.) before the name in the introduction according to one's judgment in the case. It is preferred now by many business houses to take the chance of being correct in the choice of title and to omit the parentheses. Titles and salutations in mixed addresses, that is, when the firm is composed of men and women, are to be treated as masculine. If the firm be composed of ten women and one man the title is " Messrs." and the salutation always " Gentlemen " or " Dear Sirs." Also in case the firm be composed all of women it is perfectly proper to use the masculine title of " Messrs." and mas- culine salutation, " Gentlemen." This theory rests on the fact that in the grammar of the English language the masculine includes the feminine. Notice in the expression, " If any one wishes to leave the room let him raise his hand." Although there may be fifty girls in the room and one boy there is no other form that should be used. The masculine pronoun always includes the feminine. If it were said, " If any one wishes to leave the room let her raise her hand," then the boy would be excluded. Another reason for the use of masculine forms of address and salutation is that the members of the firm may have changed since last addressed. As the masculine always includes the feminine no mistake can be made by using the forms of " Messrs." and " Gentlemen," as the office of these words is simply pronominal. It is well to call attention to the fact that since Anglo-Saxon times there has been no common pronoun applicable to persons. There is the pronoun " it," but that applies only to animals, babies, and inanimate objects. To overcome this defect, so as to permit of invariable interpretation of legal language, it was decided by Parliament that the pronouns " he " " his," and " him," should serve as common personal pronouns, to include she, her, and hers. Rule : Masculine words serving a pronominal purpose always include the feminine gender. 14 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Unknown Titles P. O. Box 71, committees of unknown composition in sex, and other doubtful bodies, should be addressed as " Gentlemen." " P. O. Box 71 " may be from any source ; namely, from one man, from one woman, or from two or more of each ; from a firm of all men or of all women, or from one of mixed sex. " Dear Sir " or " Dear Madam " would exclude some ; while " Gentlemen," applicable to both sexes in such instance, includes both genders, singular and plural. Mixed Incorporated Titles The proper title of a firm is always the incorporated title, and logically and legally should not be broken up to suit convenience. This rule, however, is not, popularly, always carried into effect, as may be seen in addressing the firm of " John Wanamaker, Philadelphia." The peculiarity of this title is due to the fact that it is necessary to distinguish the Philadelphia house from the New York house, which is incorporated under the name of " John Wanamaker, New York." All legal documents contracts, etc., would carefully observe these distinctive forms, and, of course, commercial correspondence to be accurate should do likewise. Popularly, however, it is not possible to draw such fine distinc- tion, though the fact of the peculiar title is clearly and intentionally shown in the letter-head of JOHN WANAMAKER PHILADELPHIA New York Paris The proper introduction would be John Wanamaker, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. Gentlemen : which, in the popular form, would become John Wanamaker, Philadelphia, Pa. Gentlemen : Persons ignorant of the fact of the firm's being a corporation would write " Dear Sir : " as salutation. Great care should be exercised in the addressing of envelopes. Inaccuracy or haste in this particular often results in the loss or delay of the letter, and in consequent detriment to one's business. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 15 The following pages illustrate the correct forms to be used in certain instances. Addresses of Officials THE PRESIDENT On the envelope : The President, White House, Washington, D. C. ' On the letter-head : To the President. Sir: THE VICE-PRESIDENT On the envelope : The Vice-President of the United States, Washington, D. C. On the letter-head : To the Vice-President of the United States. Sir: THE CABINET On the envelope : The Honorable, The Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. On the letter-sheet : The Honorable, The Secretary of State, Sir: Note. The complimentary close in official letters is " Yours respectfully." 16 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH GOVERNOR On the envelope : His Excellency, William Hughes, Albany, New York. On the letter-head : His Excellency, William Hughes. Sir: SENATOR On the envelope Honorable Elihu Root, United States Senator, Washington, D. C. On the letter-sheet : Honorable Elihu Root. Sir: CONGRESSMAN On the envelope : Honorable James Brown, M. C., Washington, D. C. On the letter-head : Honorable James Brown. Sir: (State cabinet officials, senators, and assemblymen use the same forms as those of the United States,) STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 17 MAYOR On the envelope : Honorable Wm. J. Gaynor, Mayor of the City of New York, On the letter-head : To His Honor Wm. J. Gaynor. Sir: JUDGE On the envelope : Honorable Charles Stout, Buffalo, New York. On the letter-head : Honorable Charles Stout. Sir: LEGISLATURE On the envelope : Honorable Charles Brown, Utica, New York. On the letter-head : Honorable Charles Brown. Sir: 18 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Forms of Address to the Roman Catholic Clergy This table of titles applies particularly to the United States of America. The titles are nearly alike in all English-speaking countries, the principal difference consisting in the omission in addressing bishops of the form " Your Lordship," applicable in monarchical countries (including Canada), but substituted in the United States by " Rt. Rev. Bishop " or " Rt. Rev. and dear Bishop." CARDINAL (bishop of an episcopal see) Introduction. . Salutation. His Eminence, Your Eminence : John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York. (The initials " D.D." are not used after cardinals' names.) ARCHBISHOP Introduction. Salutation. The Most Rev. John Ireland, D.D., Most Reverend Archbishop : or St. Paul, Minn. Most Rev. and dear Archbishop : Your Grace : BISHOP Introduction. Salutation. The Rt. Rev. Chas. H. Colton, D.D., Rt. Rev. Bishop : or 1025 Delaware Avenue, Rt. Rev. and dear Bishop : Buffalo, N. Y. MONSIGNORS There are two grades of Monsignors the higher known as the Right Reverend and the lower as the Very Reverend. Introduction. Salutation. Rt. Rev. Monsignor James J. Flood, Right Rev. Sir : or Rector of Church of St. John Right Rev. and dear Monsignor : the Evangelist, Very Rev. Monsignor James V. Lewis, Very Rev. Sir : or 460 Madison Avenue, Very Rev. Monsignor : New York. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 19 PRESIDENTS OF COLLEGES AND SEMINARIES The presidents of these institutions take the title of " Very Reverend." Similarly the deans of theological faculties and some- times urban and rural deans, also the heads of some communities of priests, but there are many exceptions to the rule. Introduction. Salutation. Very Rev. J. W. Moore, CM., Very Rev. and dear Sir : St. John's College, Brooklyn, N. Y. Observe in the instance above the letters " C. M." following the name. This means that if a priest or a bishop is a member of a religious community then the initials of the Latin name of the community to which he belongs are attached to his name. PASTOR Introduction. Salutation. Rev. George^ P. Carroll, Reverend and dear Sir : Rector of St. Paul's Church, (or from a parishioner) Orange, N. J. Dear Father Carroll : CURATE Similar form as for pastor, omitting " Rector." If a pastor or a curate possesses the title of D. D. the letters should follow his name and the salutation should be " Rev. and dear Doctor : " or " Dear Doctor : " instead of " Rev. and dear Sir : " or " Dear Father : " BROTHERS Introduction. Salutation. Brother Jerome, Dear Brother Jerome : St. Francis College, Brooklyn, N. Y. 20 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH SISTERS SUPERIOR Occasionally there is a distinction made between (1) the head of community or entire sisterhood and (2) the head of a local house. This difference, however, is not sufficiently important to the public to require particular treatment. Introduction. Salutation. Rev. Mother M. St. Mark, Reverend Mother : St. Philip's Convent, Brooklyn, N. Y! Mother M. St. Columba, Dear Mother St. Columba : St. James's Home, Brooklyn, N. Y. SISTERS Introduction. Salutation. Sister Mary Elizabeth, Dear Sister Elizabeth : Convent of the Sacred Heart, Boston, Mass. Protestant Clergy BISHOP Introduction. Salutation. Right Reverend William Lawrence, D. D., Rt. Rev. Sir : or Rt. Rev. and Bishop of Massachusetts, dear Sir : Boston, Mass. Methodist Bishops are addressed as Reverend. MINISTER Introduction. Salutation. Reverend Russell H. Conwell, LL. D., Reverend Sir : or Dear Sir : The Baptist Temple, Philadelphia, Pa. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 21 ISAAC PITMAN & SONS SHORTHAND AND- EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHERS 2 WEST FORTY-FIFTH STREET New York, June 15, 1909. Mr. H. W. Hammond, 83 Fourth Avenue, New York. Dear Sir: You will confer a favor by translating the enclosed Spanish and French letters and returning them to us. Your suggestion regarding the desirability of using the " Style-Book " in your St. John's College class meets our approval. With kind regards and best wishes, we are Very truly yours, ISAAC PITMAN & SONS. Illustrating the Use of the Note-head for Short Letters This style of note-head is about half the length of a full sheet of 1 1 x 8$ inches. It is used for short communications and is generally single spaced. When necessary to balance well on the page extra space is generally put between the paragraphs. 22 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH C. The Body of the Letter In communicating with anybody, the first impulse is to talk to him. One may do this directly, face to face, or by means of the telephone. If one can do neither, one will send him a telegraphic message (a medium to be considered later), or one will write to him. From this viewpoint, a letter is merely a substitute for a talk. The style of the best letters emphasizes this fact. It is colloquial conversational in manner. Keeping this fact in mind, one should perhaps in writing a letter imagine oneself actually talking to some definite person or persons. A letter written in this way is much more likely to be effective than a letter composed vaguely and at random. In succeeding chapters suggestions will be given regarding the body of various types of letters. Here may be emphasized the fact that all letters should be written on stationery of a good quality, in clear penmanship or with a ribbon giving clear impressions, and with neat and attractive spacing. Indentions should be as follows : Between top of page and the date-line 2 inches ; left-hand margin f of an inch ; right-hand margin \ of an inch ; space for printed matter or blank space 2 inches ; first line of introduction | of an inch, second line 1J, third line 2J ; subsequent paragraphs 1 J ; salutation f of an inch ; first paragraph 1J inches ; body f ; of the complimentary close, in center of the line ; of signature, f of an inch farther than that of the complimentary close. The letter in the center of the page. In the center from side to side and from top to bottom. D. The Complimentary Close The best usage to-day avoids the use of such phrases as " I remain " and " I am " and of participial phrases in conjunction with these, such as " Hoping to hear from you soon, I am," etc. The best rule is : Stop writing when you are through. If such phrases are used, however, use them correctly. " I remain " should be used only when previous correspondence has taken place, otherwise there would be no sense to the phrase " I remain." It means that the person remains as he previously was, that is, on terms of acquired acquaintance. After two or three letters he may, perhaps, write STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 23 " I remain." Otherwise always for the first time close with " I am." The same rule applies to " Yours sincerely." This indicates advanced acquaintance or friendship on your part with your correspondent. " I am " is the formal close for a letter to a stranger. It would be unduly^ familiar to say " Yours sincerely " on first writing. In determining the complimentary close consider the relation of the writer to the person addressed. If he is not acquainted with him in any way he cannot say " Yours respectfully," for the person addressed may be a tramp for all he knows to the contrary. The same applies to " Yours sincerely." " Yours truly," is then the correct form. " Yours truly," has no special significance. It is non-committal. A letter addressed to no particular person, that is, " To Whom It May Concern," may have no salutation and no complimentary close. Not being addressed to any one by name it does not admit of saying " Dear Sir," " Gentlemen," " Dear Madam," etc., and consequently cannot end with a remark of complimentary character, such as " Yours truly," " Yours sincerely," ' Yours respectfully," etc. It is not known into whose hands such letters may fall. It might be into the hands of a thief. Therefore, words of politeness are not applicable in such instances. This rule, however, is not always observed in business. The complimentary close always begins exactly in the middle of the line and is invariably followed by a comma. Only the first word should be capitalized. E. The Signature It is more courteous to sign one's name to any letter, although the use of a stamped or typewritten signature is in most cases legal. Sign your name in the form that you are accustomed to use when addressed. A woman should never sign her name to a business letter without indicating whether married or single. In social letters a woman, writing for the first time to a person, signs her maiden Christian names with her married surname. Then at the left side and below she subscribes her husband's full name preceded by Miss or Mrs. The words Miss or Mrs. may be enclosed in parentheses, but it is not necessary to do this. 3 (400) 24 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Folding and Inserting the Letter-Sheet The act of folding the letter-sheet may seem to be a trivial act, but it really is of importance in correspondence. The difference between the right way and the wrong way is strikingly noticeable in speed to the writer and in convenience to the receiver. The prin- ciple involved is to save time for both parties, yet thousands in folding their letter-sheets consider only their own ease, putting the others to annoyance and inconvenience. It is worth while to illustrate this point by showing the very common way the wrong way. THE WRONG WAY. Fold the sheet up from the bottom until within half an inch from the top and then crease. The next movement is to fold it over from the left to the right about one-third the distance, then from right to left. Then turn it over for insertion so as to avoid the flap catching in the envelope. Now. when the recipient opens the letter, he has to turn the sheet over to get at the flap, and then after unfolding it may even have to turn it around to read it. For a person who opens scores of letters a day this is no slight annoyance. THE RIGHT WAY. Fold the sheet from bottom upward to within half an inch of the top and then crease. Now fold from right to left, then from left to right, and the sheet may be inserted without being turned to avoid catching. When opened by the recipient the sheet will be found in the correct position for unfolding, causing no unnecessary movement or loss of time. To ATTACH STAMPS. Tear a strip of stamps from a sheet and moisten the whole strip with a sponge. Then take the strip in the right hand, and with the thumb and fingers press and detach the stamp on to the envelope. The force employed in doing this breaks the stamp from the strip. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 25 Review Questions for Chapter II 1 What are the parts of a letter ? 2 How many commas are there in a full date-line ? 3 What is "My dear Sir " called ? 4 What is the salutation in addressing various public officials ? 5 What point follows the salutation ? 6 What marks are wrongly used after the salutation in business letters ? 7 What points follow the different items of the introduction ? 8 What point follows the complimentary close ? 9 Where does the sender's address appear when there is no printed head ? 10 Is " My Dear Sir " properly capitalized ? (See Q. 3). 1 1 What single word is capitalized in the complimentary close ? 12 In writing to a stranger do you close with " I am " or "I remain " ? 13 Should a comma be placed after " I am," " I remain," and " we are " ? 14 Do you close with " Yours sincerely " to a stranger ? 15 What is the general complimentary close to a stranger ? 16 Why is a very plainly written signature preferable ? 17 In which kind of letter is there no complimentary close ? 18 What is the introduction in such a letter ? How capitalized ? 19 Do you write the complimentary close in the body of the letter or in a separate line ? 20 How do you close a letter to a friend ? 21 In addressing a girl what salutation do you use ? 22 In addressing a woman, single or married ? 23 Several women, single or married ? In the plural saluta- tions " Mesdames : " and " Gentlemen : " do you prefix " Dear " ? 24 What is the salutation for " P. O. Box 14 " ? 25 For pen-written letters what is the measurement (in inches) of each of the three margins on a letter-head ? How far from top of sheet should the date-line be ? What is the indention (in inches) of each part of the introduction ? Of the salutation ? Of the first paragraph ? Of the body ? Of succeeding paragraphs ? 26 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Of the complimentary close ? Of the signature ? First line of the heading ? Of the superscription ? 26 In a date do " st," " d," and " th " come after the figures indicating the day of the month ? (For example, Jan. 4th, 1901.) In the signature for letter (c) on page 27 do you use " by " or " per" ? See page 126. 27 When are " st/' " d," and " th " properly used ? 28 How should a married woman sign her name to a letter ? 29 Is it proper for a woman to sign a business letter without indicating whether she is married or single ? What is the custom in social letters ? 30 What are the salutation and title used in a letter addressed to a firm composed of men and women ? Is the assumption for correspondence that all business companies are masculine correct ? When in doubt as to whether married or single, what title is used in addressing a woman ? 31 Do you use or not use " Messrs." before " Company " ? 32 What is the plural of " Mrs." ? 33 What is the writing on the envelope called ? 34 Is c/o (care of) necessary on the envelope ? 35 What are " Mr.," " Messrs.," " Mrs.," " Mesdames," etc., called ? 36 If you wish another person to take charge of the letter what do you do ? 37 Where is the sender's address placed on the letter-sheet and on the envelope ? 38 Is the sign # any longer used on an envelope to indicate the number of the house in the street ? 39 What is the proper salutation for the Mayor of your city ? for the President of the United States ? 40 Of what is a letter really the equivalent ? Exercises 1 Write the date-line, introduction, salutation, and com- plimentary close for letters, supposedly written by the pupil in his proper person, to the following, adding correct punctuation to the following items : (Set your dates in different months of the year and vary your address.) STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 27 (a) Victor Blauvelt Real Estate Parsippany N J (Applying for a position). (b) Mary E Lynch (who is married) 594 Broad Street Philadelphia Pa (A friend). (c) National Storage Co 354 Plane Street Los Angeles Cal (For your mother). (d) Hartford Motorcycle Co Mr Henry Cambreling President Hartford Conn (For yourself). (e) The Davis School of Dancing Miss M. Helen McVeagh Prin- cipal 191 Twelfth Street Minneapolis Minn (For yourself). (/) Hahn & Gifford 281 Halsey Street Detroit Michigan (For your school-paper). (g) Du Pont Powder Co Wilmington Delaware (For a hunting club). (h) John F Moriarty 328 South Victoria Ave Pueblo Colo (to a relative). (i) U S Consul Rio de Janeiro (asking information on chances for Americans). (/) A M Jessup 429 Lipton Street Winnipeg Manitoba (in reply to an offer of a farm for sale). 2 Write the envelopes for d, e, h, i, and j. 3 Write the first letter in full, including the superscription. 4 Write the fifth or sixth letter in full, including the superscription. 5 Write the eighth letter in full, including the superscription. CHAPTER III SOME MATTERS OF FORM (continued} Punctuation ONE of the oldest publishing- houses in America, and one of the best known for accuracy of language and correctness of style, in the preface of a book of model letters says that those letters are as they were written by business men. An examination shows scores of flagrant errors of punctuation, of capitalizing, of paragraphing, etc. Also, among the many letter-dictation books used in schools there are not two which are not literally crammed with the grossest errors in punctuation. There is a reason for this. As long as every business man considers himself competent there is little use in asserting a standard. He wishes to be original and impressive and to show his thoughts as he wants them to be understood, regard- less of fixed rules that no one really ever masters. Business letters appeal to the eye, partaking altogether of the nature of an advertise- ment. Sentences are arranged so as to be readily grasped and quickly understood. A letter of one of the greatest publishers of business literature employs no less than fifteen dashes. The demands of business are superior to rules of grammar, is the business man's plea. On one of the most carefully edited magazines in the United States an assistant editor took exception to a paragraph on an advertising page. There was a certain space, and in that space there had to be inserted an idea a fundamental idea meaning certain loss or profit according to the wording. The proof-reader tried to rearrange the words to make them grammatical and at the same time to retain effectiveness as an order-producing sentence. He showed the difficulty to the editor and received the response that he knew perfectly well that it was ungrammatical, but that business necessities demanded it. On the editorial page this error would not have been tolerated, yet it was actually ordered to be inserted in the advertising section. The stenographer dares not criticize the dictator's methods, as there never were two business men who punctuated alike. There- fore, as the stenographer has little or no say at all in the matter, it is 28 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 29 of very little use to lay down any but a few short rules to cover so intricate a subject. It is true that all books of the class of this one give rules, which, in a few lines, are intended to cover a subject that requires years of study and practise. But experienced teachers of English and proof-readers understand the uselessness of so doing, and simply recommend the pupil to take up punctuation as a special study. The business use of all points but the comma and the semicolon is too easy to learn to require much attention here. No one, how- ever, can use the comma and the semicolon correctly who has not a profound knowledge of grammar. To give a few of the many rules in so difficult a subject is worse than to give none, as all good teachers know. Study punctuation specially in Lovell's Punctuation as a Means of Expression, or in any good grammar. .Scattered through this book are many points in punctuation as immediately applied all, in fact, that can possibly be learned without a systematic and prolonged special study. Study your dictator's method ; he punctuates to catch his corre- spondent's eye. Do not talk grammar to him, as he might reply that if you knew less of it you might be woith more in business. All use nearly alike every point except the comma. Study each dictator's individual style. For self-improvement review your grammar. Many reasons are given in this book for the use of punctuation marks as shown below. Where no reason is given, commit to memory, or think hard a little while and you will discover it. If you fail, do not be too sensitive to criticism. Recall that for ten years before entering business you were given instruction in writing English in the public schools. A few pages on punctuation in this book would now be of no use to you. Better, therefoie, ask no questions, criticize no orders. A few days' study of syntax in any grammar will help more than anything else. Punctuation Points as Used in this Book Page Page Date-line 70 Regents' style . . . . 75 Introductory Address . . 89 Quotations . . . . 82 Salutation 118 Abbreviations . . . . 233 Broken Sentences . . . . 103 Books 153 Superscription .. .. 11 Orders .. .. .. 118 Paragraphs . . ... 102 Bookkeeping . . . . 123 Telegrams . . . . 184 Displayed matter . . 91 Columns of words . . 238 Figures 233 Tabular matter 234 30 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Capitalization Capitalize proper names, or words used as such, singular or plural ; also when used as adjectives, unless the adjective form is a different word, derived from a common noun used as a proper noun in specific cases; for example, President (presidential), Senate (senatorial), Congress (congressional), Province (provincial). Exceptions: Democratic, Territorial, as relating to the Democratic Party or a Territory of the United States. Capitalize, singular or plural, with the name or standing alone, the title of any ruler, the name of any national legislative body and subdivisions of any country. This includes dependencies like Australia, Canada, etc. Capitalize also the adjective forms, unless embraced in the exceptions noted in the preceding paragraph. Capitalize the titles of State legislative bodies when accompanied by the name, as the Massachusetts General Court, the General Court of Massachusetts, the New York Assembly, the Assembly of New York, the Rhode Island House of Representatives, the House of Representatives of Rhode Island, Ohio Legislature ; but lower-case the general court, the assembly, the house of representatives, the legislature, etc. Capitalize the titles of United States executive departments, bureaus, services, etc., and organizations of the Army and Navy, singular, plural, and adjective forms ; lower-case department, bureau, corps, etc., when standing alone. Capitalize all geographic terms, singular or plural, when with the name. Capitalize street, avenue, road, lane, etc., singular or plural, when with the name. Capitalize all titles immediately preceding names of persons. In addresses and with signatures capitalize both before and after name. Capitalize department, bureau, division, office, etc., when used with a name that is capitalized, even though it is not a part of the exact title, as Pension Office for Bureau of Pensions. This refers only to branches of the Government. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 31 Capitalize a fanciful or popular appellation as if a real name, as Keystone State, Bay State, City of Churches, Monumental City, Capital City, Windy City, the Hub, Great Father (the President), etc. Capitalize names of monuments, tombs, statues, etc., when of a public character, as Bunker Hill Monument, Grant's Tomb, Rocham- beau Statue, Statue of Liberty, etc. ; but lower-case the words "monument," "tomb," "statue," etc., when employed in a general way, as the statue of Columbus, the tomb of Napoleon, etc. Capitalize such terms as the following when with a name or number and used as a proper noun. Care must be taken not to confound a proper adjective with a proper noun. For instance, the Johnson House would mean a hotel and, therefore, be a proper noun ; but should a house be referred to that was the property of or occu- pied by a family named Johnson, it would be the Johnson house, Pier A or Pier 19, but at the White Star Line's pier ; Boston Light. Boston and Boone Island Lights, but Massachusetts Bay lights. Lower-case the following words of common usage which were originally proper names, but whose significance as such has become obscured, or when used before nouns in common use to specify merchandise : belleek ware manila rope bologna sausage mercerized fabrics china ware merino sheep china clay morocco (leather) delftware navy blue frankfurter (sausage) navy cloth gothic (type) osnaburg harveyized steel pasteurized milk india ink roman (type) india rubber russia (leather) levantine silk timothy grass lyonnaise potatoes Venetian blinds macadamized road wedgwood ware Lower-case adjectives and verbs ending in " ize," " ed," and " ing," though the original word be a proper noun, when applied to trade products or processes, as harveyized, pasteurized, maca- damized, galvanized, mercerized, etc. ; otherwise capitalize, as Christianize, Americanize, Frenchify, Bryanize, etc. 32 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Capitalize the principal words in addresses, signatures, and date-lines. Capitalize the United States Army, the Army, etc. Capitalize standing alone and also when used as an adjective ; the Army, and Army officer, etc. Capitalize its organizations and branches, as the Cavalry, Infantry, Field Artillery, Coast Artillery. Capitalize the names of foreign organizations, as British Army, the Royal Guards. Capitalize all United State Government boards, bureaus, commissions, divisions, and experiment stations. Capitalize State and other boards when accompanied by proper name, as Ohio Board of Health, Chamber of Commerce of Boston, etc. ; but lower-case when standing alone, as board of health, board of pharmacy, etc. College degrees should be lower-case when spelled, as the degree of doctor of laws, the degree of master of arts, etc. Capitalize all words denoting, as All- Wise ; also all pronouns except those commencing with the letter " w," as who, whom, or whose. Capitalize when referring to the United States Government or to foreign Governments, as the Government of the United States, the Japanese Government. Lower-case in the abstract sense, as this Government is a government, the reins of government, the seat of government, etc. ; referring to a State of the United States, the State government. Capitalize when preceding any word that is capitalized, as National Government ; also National and State Governments and National Capital ; otherwise lower-case, as the national spirit. Capitalize when a part of a name of an organization, or as a title, that is capitalized, as First Regiment, Twelfth Census, Charles the First ; Document Numbered One hundred and twenty, One hundred and tenth Street ; otherwise lower-case, as second district, fifth ward, tenth precinct. Capitalize also any synonymous title referring to the President of the United States, as Chief Magistrate, Commander in Chief, Executive, His Excellency, etc. Lower-case presidential. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 33 Capitalize the terms used with Roman numerals as titles, as Chapter XV, Section II, Plate VI, Group IV, etc. When not a title, or when other than Roman numerals are used, lower-case, as abstract B, section A, class 1, class A, volume 1, chapter 1, etc. Capitalize when immediately associated with name, as Boston Medical Society, Typographical Union, etc. Capitalize State the same as Government. Capitalize State's attorney, State's evidence ; but lower-case such expressions as affairs of state, church and state, secretary of state of Indiana ; also the words " statehood," " statehouse." Lower-case sections of States, as east Illinois, western Kansas, east Tennessee, etc. Capitalize such terms as alley, avenue, circle, court, lane, place, road, street, and square, singular or plural, when with the name. Capitalize " The " when a part of a name, as The Hague, The Dalles (Oreg.), The Weirs (N. H.), etc., and certain geographic formations, as The Buttes (in Sutter County, Cal.), etc., but the Netherlands. Capitalize the principal words of a title, as The Chasm of the Colorado, painted by Thomas Moran ; Twelfth Night, a play written by William Shakspere. Quote and capitalize the principal words of a title when introduced thus : A book entitled " The House of the Seven Gables." Capitalize historical documents, as Declaration of Independence, Constitution (United States), Articles of Confederation (United States), Bill of Rights, Magna Charta. Capitalize short titles, as Bancroft's History, Brown's Grammar. Capitalize Bible, Biblical, Scriptures, Scriptural, etc. ; but gospel only when referring to one of the four memoirs of Jesus Christ contained in the New Testament. Capitalize the first words of direct and indirect quotations ; (1) Pope said, " Praise undeserved is scandal in disguise " ; (2) The question is, Shall the bill pass ? The prepositions " de," " da," "de," "della," " di," " 1'," " van, " von," etc., in names from foreign languages, when preceded by a forename, a title of nobility, a professional title, or one of courtesy, 34 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH should be lower-cased ; as Charles de Ble, Cardinal da Ponte, Marquis de Lafayette, Mr. de Thou, M. d'Orbigny, Senor da Yznaga, Gen. della Santa Maria, Dr. d'Ouvillier, Capt. di Cesnola, Admiral van Tromp, Count von Moltke, etc. Prepositions in names from foreign languages, without a forename, a title of nobility, a professional title, or one of courtesy, such as " van " in Dutch, " von " in German, " de " or " /30 AUG. 26 H. T. Williams remits for bill of Aug. 23 and for Leicester's protested paper, with expenses. He also sends $6.80, discount heretofore allowed on first bill, which last sum is at once returned. I Write, July 28, 1904, as Walter Stillman to John Chester such a letter as you would send to a trusted friend with whom you wish to go into business. This letter should contain about 125 words. II Write as Chester to Stillman, Aug. 4, such reply as might be expected from a warm friend who favored the proposition made, and believed that he might accept it. Ask the necessary questions about the business and the capital required. Ill Write, Aug. 10, Stillman's reply to Chester's questions and such other matter as may seem necessary. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 171 IV Draw up, in simple form and language, articles of agreement for the copartnership of Stillman & Chester, showing proper execution. V Write an attractive circular letter to be sent out by Stillman Chester to customers of the old firm and to the trade. Call attention to the long and successful services of Stillman. Write also, to accompany this circular, a letter of Breed & Foster, cordially recommending the new firm. VI Write as Stillman & Chester to H. T. Williams, Aug. 23, mention- ing protest of Leicester's note and stating what has been done about it. Give such information as you can as to the responsibility of the maker of the note. [Transactions Aug. 19 and 22.] CHAPTER XV DUTIES OF A PRIVATE SECRETARY To describe in full all the duties of a private secretary would require a special book in itself for the reason that the service varies according to the social, business, or professional position of the employer. Although the groundwork of secretarial duties is gen- erally uniform there is much variety of detail required to meet the peculiar needs of the railroad president, the banker, the educa- tor, the social leader, the Congressman, or others. Among the almost indispensable qualifications are those of stenography, type- writing, and a thorough knowledge of English composition. Added to this should be a good knowledge of business-English style as represented in the art of proof-reading and the technique of dis- playing commercial language on the typewritten or printed page. This knowledge of form, or display, is indispensable to one who has to construct correspondence or to prepare manuscripts for the press. A knowledge of the card-system of classifying and indexing information, letters, and documents, with special reference to library cataloguing, is also of great service in handling a large correspondence. It may be said with truth that this art of breaking up and sorting letters and other documents for reference purposes according to subjects is, after shorthand and typewriting, the most indispensable qualification. The secretary will also, of course, supply himself with proper reference books, such as a first-class encyclopedia, railroad and steamship time-tables, postal information, social customs, charities' directory, etc. It frequently happens that the secretary is required in the absence of his principal to transact minor business. In such case he may have to assume the function of agent, whose acts may be binding upon the one he represents. Many circumstances might arise where he would be in doubt how to act. A knowledge, therefore, of elementary commercial law is necessary, with special reference to domestic service, relation of buyer and seller, bail- ments, contracts, statute of limitations in the various States, notes, and indorsements. An elementary commercial-law textbook is sufficient for this purpose. An efficient secretary does not rely 172 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 173 on his employer or employer's lawyers for advice on simple business transactions. His competency in this respect is assumed. The keeping of household accounts is sometimes a part of the private secretary's work, including a cashbook and a private bank- account. A knowledge of how to keep an expense account is generally sufficient for house-accounting. Any book on elementary bookkeeping will be found satisfactory for this purpose. It is well for the student to know that there are two kinds of service, differing materially. One is that of the man of business strictly ; the other that of the man of leisure or professional avocation. The correspondence of the former is generally wholly of a business type, while that of the latter is mainly literary and social though containing more or less business matter. Business information is therefore more necessary in the first and less in the second. If one has a good education and plenty of common sense the private -secretary's work is rather easy, as the service of one employer differs so much from that of another that, the groundwork assured, previous experience is not always essential. Summary of Secretary's Duties To read all communications, subject to employer's restriction, such exception being private letters, bankers' and lawyers' communica- tions, etc. Communications should be ar- ranged on the desk for employer's inspection in the order of their importance. Frequently to answer unim- portant and familiar communica- tions on his own responsibility. To keep the details of previous correspondence constantly in mind in order to act as immediate reference for his principal. To answer letters from mere direction without formality of dictation. This composition from incomplete dictation requires a thorough knowledge of grammar and rhetoric. To keep a card-indexing and letter-filing system for all communi- cations, collections, private papers, bills, libraries, etc. To be familiar with the keeping of personal house-keeping, and private cash-accounts, and others not generally kept by 4 office clerks. To be able to advise on com- mercial law covering household affairs and transactions in simple business. Occasionally to substitute for employer in business transactions which require some knowledge of commercial terms, f orms,and usages. To keep well informed of em- ployer's private affairs within the secretary's sphere of action ; to keep a memorandum in card-index or other form of appointments, social obligations, etc. To act as intermediary with those desiring interview with princi- pal, and to understand and judi- ciously interpret what " Not at home " means. To cultivate the habit of non- talkativeness, even with employer ; reserve of manner, and of tact and diplomacy in conversation and correspondence. 174 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS- ENGLISH The secretary may at times be required to act as cashier and business manager of the household. He may receive at somewhat regular intervals sufficient cash to meet probable expenses. This money may be kept on hand or may be deposited in a bank, upon which checks may be drawn by the secretary by virtue of a power of attorney. When authorized he pays out cash for amusements, traveling expenses, reading-matter, stationery, wages, or any other usual household expenses. He should keep a strict account of all receipts and payments so that at any time the account will show the exact amount of cash on hand. Such record is kept in the ordinary cashbook, with columns ruled like those on following page. For the purpose of understanding how to make entries of a cash- account, get a sheet of cashbook paper and head the columns as in illustration No. 1. Assume that on Oct. 2, 1913, you commence duties as private secretary at the residence of Mr. George Washing- ton Smith, and receive $100 for the week's expenses. On Oct. 2 you purchase 2 boxes of cigars for Mr. Smith, paying $10.50. On Oct. 3 you pay $8 for 4 theater tickets for Mr. Smith and family. On Oct. 4 you contribute to church fair $10. Make entries for these four items on your cash-page exactly as shown below : Illustration No. i October, 1913 DATE EXPLANATIONS RECEIPTS PAYMENTS Oct. 2. Received check from Mr. S. for expenses . . 100 00 it 2. Paid for 2 boxes cigars for Mr. S. . . 10 50 M 3. Paid for 4 theater tickets for Mr. S. and family 8 00 4. Gave as contribution to church fair 1000 If Mr. Smith desires to have expenditures classified so that an account may be kept of each kind then the foregoing entries would assume the following form : Illustration No. 2 October, 1912 Oct. 2. Mr. G. W. Smith Rec'd his check for expenses 100 2. Cigars Paid for 2 boxes for Mr. S. 10 50 tt 3. Amusements Paid for 4 theater tickets 8 " 4. Benevolence Contributed to church fair 10 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 175 The following shows a weekly account of receipts and expenses, ruled and balanced. The red line of words shows the money on hand left over from the previous week. Notice that the two columns are added to show at the end of the week how the account stands. The balance of $198.39 is carried forward to the date of Monday in the next week. Illustration No. 3 410 00 297 76 Nov. 4. Balance In Bank $100 ; on hand $12,24 . . 112 24 410 00 410 00 Nov. 6. Balance 112 24 6. Received check ^817 for weekly expenditures 300 00 6. Paid for 2 boxes cigars 20 00 7. Purchased Harper's and Century 70 7. Paid stable bill for October by check . . 30 00 8. Paid for telegram received 40 8. Paid H. D.'s bill for repairing chair 2 75 8. Advanced to John (the butler) on his wages 3 00 8. Paid garage bill for October by check . . 22 00 9. Paid yearly subscription to Colliers 5 00 10. Gave toward support of People's Hospital 10 00 10. Purchased 5 theater tickets to " Hamlet " 10 00 11. Gave check for yearly dues to Civic Club 20 00 11. Purchased 2 N. Y. C. mileage books 40 00 11. Paid by check annual sub. to St. C.'s Orphanage 50 00 412 24 213 85 11. Balance In Bank $178 ; on hand $20.39 . . 198 V v ) 412 24 412 24 Nov. 13. Balance 198 39 Make a transcript of the account above according to the classified form in Illustration No. 2. Enter in cashbook form, properly balanced, the following receipts and expenses for the week : Dec. 4, Cash Balance $58.40. Received check #748 for $200 for expenses of present week. Paid for tuning piano $4. Dec. 5. Paid by check bill for 20 Welsbach burners $30. Paid messenger service for Nov. by check $7.25. Dec. 6. Made the following purchases : 5 Ibs. Huyler's candy $5, 1 doz. bot. wine $18, J- dozen boxes cigars $30, 100 two-cent stamps $2. Dec. 8. Paid for pressing suits $6. 176 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Secretary's Narrative ({The following essay should be assigned for home-reading. In class, as a memory and a composition exercise, ^pupils should be required to rewrite it.) Mr. Henry W. Hallam, of 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, to his secretary, Mr. William Ramsey : Mr. Ramsay, to-night I have to address the Business Men's Club on the art of correspondence. Please write these remarks : i The need of greater efficiency in business English is evident. A business letter is a tool with which to effect a certain result. Its parts should be like those of a well-adjusted and cared-for machine ; for if the parts work in harmony a perfect product results. With bad construction of the machine bad joints, flawey material, creaky adjustments, jerky move- ments, sticky bearings the finest raw material is wasted and distorted and defaced. The same holds true with the letter that is intended to persuade. The finest thought fails in best effect by poorly selected words, disorder in presentation, repetition, squinting constructions, omissions, bad punc- tuation, and haste. The too frequent conjunctions, the creaky movement of ideas, the jerky punctuation waste and obscure the thought, destroy the sense, and displease the reader. More business is negotiated by letter to-day than by commercial traveler ; the chief correspondent now precedes the head salesman. At one time the great expense was for carfare and hotel ; to-day it is for stenography, stamps, and stationery. Is it not then wise for a business house to employ an expert in correspondence or to submit its methods for inspection and , improvement ? Is not expert composition more persuasive than slovenly ? How few business houses realize that the two-cent letter is meant to serve the same purpose as the $200 page ? Many dictators bolt their morning correspondence ; others chew it lightly ; few digest it well. Some splutter in dictation, using the first words that come ; some repeat and " cut out " and misplace and need to have every sentence read back ; while others shift the whole burden of composition on the stenographer. Only a few refrain from composing until the thought has been fully revised and polished in the mind. Unlike others they remember their correspondence of the day before, and the path least frequented in their office is the path that leads to the reference file. These men are a joy to their readers, angels to their secretaries, shekel-gatherers to their house. Yet how simple is the remedy ! How easily may the halt and the lame become strong ! How great the economy and the relief that spring from such reform ! A few days' study of the relative value of words, of their order in the sentence, of their persuasive or repellent effect ; of brevity when needed ; of superfluity never ; of correctness in form, directness in appeal, courtesy and refinement in tone all in a few hours' study from one who knows ! In law, the sensible man seeks an expert's advice ; in illness, a physician's aid ; in finance, the banker's help ; in real estate, that of the broker ; in insurance, of an expert ; but in the difficult art of bringing lan- guage to its highest persuasive effect the average man relies upon his own untrained and impatient style. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 177 Now, Mr. Ramsey, write to my old friends, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Manning, of 19 West 73d St., New York, and tell them I shall not be able to dine with them next Friday. Also write a letter of accep- tance to dinner with Mr. and Mrs. John Towne, of 345 Madison Avenue, New York. (Student to write these social letters.) Also, please write to my bankers to send me by messenger a letter of credit for $10,000 on London. Write to the Secretary of State of the United States and inquire as to whether the present political situation in Colombia, S. A., would permit an American family party to travel there without danger. (Student to write this official letter.) Now, Mr. Ramsey, my sister, Mrs. L. A. Beal, needs a young woman as social secretary. As I am pleased with your work I should be glad to have your sister, who you say, is also com- petent, to serve mine. Please write a letter of application in her name, stating qualifications, and mention the duties in detail which are attached to such post. My sister has never had a private secretary ; and a description of duties would probably impress her more favorably towards the applicant. Use the duties as former secretary to Mrs. C. J. Porter for material. (Student to fill one page on business letter-head sheet.) Review Questions for Chapter XV 1 What are some of the duties of a private secretary ? 2 How should a private secretary prepare himself for unexpected duties ? 3 What two kinds of service are there ? 4 What qualities of character should a private secretary possess ? 5 Write a paragraph of 100 words on this topic : " The Art of Correspondence. ' ' CHAPTER XVI SOME HINTS ON THE POST OFFICE SERVICE Address -The golden rule applicable to addressing mail is : " Omit nothing and write plainly." Omissions may cause delay completeness, never. Therefore never omit : (a) Street and number, no matter how well known the addressee. (b) Room number of office building. (c) Sender's name and full address the return card. (d) Full postage and affix same in the only proper place, exactly in the upper right-hand corner of address side, being careful that the gum is not washed off in moistening, and also that the stamps are not insufficiently moistened. (e) Never address to a street corner when exact street number can as well be given. The address, as the most important part of a letter should be written with the greatest care and caution. Return Card The public would do well to acquire the habit of thinking an article incompletely prepared for mailing until the return card name and full address of sender appears upon it. Thousands of letters and dollars are annually lost through this negligence. Registered Mail is delivered to addressee only, unless a written order, empowering the bearer to sign for and receive registered mail, signed by addressee, is produced, or on file at the post-office. Where there are no secrets to be bared, or fraud to be feared, delays may be avoided by leaving such written order in the home or office with a trusted person, even though no registered mail is expected. " The unexpected happens." Special delivery mail, undeliverable on first trial by special messenger, becomes ordinary mail. It maybe well to know that in urgent cases, where address is in doubt, or forwarding may probably be necessary, two special delivery stamps will make assurance doubly sure by prepaying special delivery service to the first, as well as to the corrected, address. Attention should be directed to the extra stamp by such words as : " Fee for two trials prepaid." The " Special Delivery Stamp " is surest. Ordinary postage stamps should be used in an extremity only to prepay special delivery fee, and then the words " Special Delivery " cannot be often or too prominently written on address side. Ordinary stamps, without these words, will not purchase special delivery 178 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 179 service, no matter how much postage is affixed ; and unless they are the most conspicuous part of the address, are easily overlooked by the distributing clerk. A simple way to prove identity for money orders or registered letters is the following : Secure from the person who is to receive money orders or registered letters, his signature on a slip or slips of paper. In the case of a money order, this signature should be given to the money order clerk along with the application. The clerk will attach it to the advice (duplicate of the money order)" and send it to the postmaster of the office on which the order is drawn. To cash the money order, it will merely be necessary to duplicate the signature a perfect identification. Postal Points 1 Any matter containing writing, whether sealed or unsealed, is subject to first-class rates. 2 Don't try to send mail C. O. D. Always prepay full postage ; otherwise mail is delayed until correct postage has been paid by either sender or addressee. If inadvertently sent on, double the deficiency is collected from addressee in many cases. 3 Internal revenue stamps, postage-due stamps and stamps cut out of U. S. stamped envelopes or postal cards are not good for postage. 4 Mutilated or defaced stamps, or stamps partly overlapped or covered by other stamps, are not accepted for postage. 5 In affixing stamps, to avoid their loss use neither too little nor too much moisture. 6 In writing address, observe the golden rule : Omit nothing and write plainly. 7 (a) The special delivery fee is 10 cents in addition to the regular postage, (b) The registry fee is 10 cents in addition to the regular postage. 8 Do not drop in mail-box, but present^ in person at post-office : (a) All articles that are to be registered." (b) All parcel-post packages. 9 The letter rate to foreign countries is now : Five cents for the first (full) ounce and 3 cents for every additional (full) ounce, except to Great Britain, when letter package is 2 cents per ounce, likewise to Germany when sent on German vessels. 10 Two or three days before removing from one address to another, ask the postman for a " change-of- address " card. Fill out carefully, it will come back to you unless correct in all particu- lars, mention all former addresses within the preceding twelve months, and give to carrier or throw into mail-box. 180 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Postal Information The following is a list of the principal points on which pupils should be informed. Complete information would occupy too much space in a book of this kind. The teacher is therefore earnestly requested to see that each pupil provides himself with the pamphlet entitled " Postal Information." This may be obtained free by addressing The Honorable, The Postmaster General, Washington, D. C. The teacher should not rely upon the pupils' willingness to extract this knowledge, but should, by frequent informal talks, bring out the points particularly essential to the occasion. Domestic Mail Matter : Additions and enclosures permitted Address : Care to be exercised in writing In care of a second person Private mailing cards Stamped envelopes Advertising cards, folded Blind, letters and reading matter for the Books Postage rates Carbon copies Circulars Classification of mail Collection of mail Complaints regarding mail matter Dead mail matter Defamatory matter, unmailable Delivery of mail Fees, money order Classification of matter Special delivery service General delivery of mail Husband or wife, mail for Identification of persons : Applying for registered mail Presenting money orders for pay- ment Indemnity for lost registered mail International money orders Library books Limit of weight of mail matter Liquids, liquors Lost mail, indemnity for registered Lottery and fraud matter, unmail- able Minors, mail for Miscellaneous information Money order system Lost orders Payment and repayment Obscene and indecent matter, unmailable Overweight matter, unmailable Periodical publications Postage-due stamps Postage not prepaid Postage stamps Mutilated or defaced Not sold on credit Overlapping Private mailing cards Postal cards Postal savings system Post-office boxes Proof-sheets, corrections in Public library books Redemption : Postage stamps Postal cards Stamped envelopes Registry system : Delivery of mail Fee Forwarding mail Identification of persons applying for mail Indemnity for lost mail Recall of mail Requirements for registration Return receipts Stamp, special Undelivered registered mail Reproduction or imitation of hand- writing Return cards Return of mail matter Rural delivery Special delivery service Stamped envelopes Stamped newspaper wrappers Typewriting, carbon and letter-press copies STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 181 Undelivered mail Unmailable matter Overweight matter, unmailable Wrapping of mail matter Foreign Mail Matter Additions and enclosures permitted Classification of mail matter Commercial papers Customs duties Forwarding Merchandise, samples of Miscellaneous conditions Money order system, international Parcel post : Admissible matter Dimensions of parcels Letters prohibited Place of mailing Rates of postage Registration Limit of weight and value Postage due Postal cards, international Post cards Printed matter Prohibited articles Rates of postage Parcel post Registered matter Samples of merchandise Unmailable (prohibited) articles Weight and dimensions of parcels Wrapped securely Abbre< Ala. Alaska Ariz. Nations of the 1 Alabama Alaska Territory Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Colum- Florida [bia Georgia Hawaii Territory Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Post- Office Nebr. _ Nev. N. H. Department Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Oklahoma Pennsylvania Philippine Islands Porto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Ark. N. J. Cal. N. Mex. Colo. N. Y. Conn. Del. D. C Fla. Ga. Hawaii N. C N. Dak. __ Okla. Pa P. I P. R. 111. R I Ind Kans. _ S. C S. Dak. Ky. Tenn La Md. Tex. Vt Mass. Mich. Minn. Miss. Va Wash W. Va. ___ Wis Mo. Wyo. Mont. Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Oregon, Samoa, and Utah are not abbreviated. 182 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Review Questions for Chapter XVI 1 What is the golden rule for addressing mail ? 2 What is meant by a registered letter ? By special delivery ? By money order ? By parcel post ? By return card ? 3 What is the most important part of any letter ? Why ? 4 On what conditions is registered mail delivered to some one other than the addressed ? 5 How may you assure the delivery of a " special delivery " letter ? 6 How can one prove identity for money orders or registered letters ? 7 What is first-class matter ? 8 What kinds of stamps are not good for postage ? 9 How should stamps be affixed to a letter ? 10 What is the letter-rate to foreign countries ? 11 What pamphlet gives complete information on postal matters ? How may it be obtained ? 12 How does one abbreviate Colorado ? Wyoming ? Nebraska ? CHAPTER XVII THE TELEGRAPH SERVICE TELEGRAMS, CABLEGRAMS, AND MARCONIGRAMS THE recent cheapening of cost has caused direct electric communi- cation to be used much more than was the case formerly. Its use is- no longer considered luxurious or for extreme necessity only. Cable tolls have been decreased fifty per cent. ; the wireless method is reason- able in price, while by land telegraph a night-letter of fifty words, ex- cluding address and signature, may be sent for twenty-five cents. The same charge is made for less than ten words as for ten ; for more than ten, so much a word. A day-letter of fifty words may be sent for one and one-half the cost of a ten-word message. There is no charge for the address of the person telegraphed to. Cable letters cost $1.50 for twenty words. As the use of lettergrams is now common the work of condensing into telegraphic form falls upon the stenographer. The following points should be observed : Write briefly, but be sure to be clear. Use no salutation, expression of politeness, or complimentary close. Parts of speech not necessary to sense may be left out ; as, (The) house refuses (to) pay $1 (for) delivery (of) July wheat." The words in parentheses should be omitted. Never divide a word in a telegram. Compound words are accepted as one word ; as, to-day, foot-note, etc. Use no punctuation points, decimal points, or hyphens, as they are charged for at word-rates. In ordinal numbers, as 14th, 95th, etc., the affixes " st," " d," and " th " are counted as extra words. Therefore, spell out all numbers. A few abbreviations (and some corruptions) are accepted as one word ; as, a.m. for a. m., p.m. for p. m., fob for f. o. b., cod for C. O. D., cif for c. i. f. Per cent., O. K., cwt. and alright (for all right) are accepted as one word. There is more restriction in cablegrams. A word of more than fifteen letters is charged as two. To escape heavy charges many houses have what is called a code, that is, a number of words, each of which means a whole phrase or even a whole sentence. For instance, " Japapco " may mean " Japan Paper Co." Or " Information " may mean " Load ship completely and sail at 183 13 (400) > 0) z 1" Q. _^ Q ^^^ J ^M a O I o u X l_ I J fc Q. J M o CD DC 6 c I U rH 5 1 g ^ LJ BE c -J f U . to CO 3 TJ JJ ' III C j cd j ^ M -p O Q a w Z| 1 ^ p O| a O - o 10 Z O h a u ex? D E i rH 6 s +343 H-l ^ h *d Oi^ DC LJ z (0 u THOS. 5 1 ^co ^ h o E 2 S 0) i 1* ^ LJ yg ^ q "i ^ M s< LJ 6 CQ ag s X h Receiver' ol P z 111 (0 10 TJ -P H {H -P CO H a ^ O erf a Oi CO O P H p Fn CO Cf_l OJ od rj * cj_i 10 o a rH o _M o -H ?H H P O H >H p bD ( K^{ p erf O erf ft o a o H H ^ CD CQ j H H P P erf O S H rH ^ H !>5 P ft Cf_| erf CO a d O H H o o ? o H > P H rH rj rH O O Crf K*5 ^cj X H ^ OQ * Crf STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 185 once." The agent of the house in a foreign land has a copy of this code, so that by selecting the code words for certain ideas he may in a very few words send what practically amounts to a long dispatch. Any words are suitable for a code, as for instance : Queso. Buy and charge to our account. Fulsom. Delivery to be made at once. Titanic. Reserve accommodations for. Prolixim. Wait for a higher market. Jonkerny. John Wanamaker, New York. Cablegrams cost several times a word more than telegrams, in some cases being as high as two dollars a word. The saving, therefore, made by using a code is apparent. Wireless Telegraphy Wireless telegraphy, daily increasing in use, largely follows the methods of cable and telegraph companies. The cable and the wireless system of charging and counting are alike, that is, the address and the signature are counted and charged for. The rate for messages from one ship to another is 16 cents a word. The charge for messages sent from ship to shore is 20 cents per word plus land-telegraph charges. Marconigrams for transmission from the United States to Great Britain and Ireland are accepted at all inland offices of the Western Union Telegraph Company, the Postal Telegraph Cable Company, and the Great North- Western Telegraph Company. The established rules and regulations governing the method of counting and charging of cable messages are applicable to marconigrams. The rate for marconigrams is at present much less than the cable companies' rates. Several acts of service given by cable and telegraph are not performed by wireless methods, such as sending Message with answer prepaid. Money order telegrams. Message calling for its repetition. Message calling for acknowledgment of receipt. Message to be forwarded (if person addressed is not found at address given^. 186 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Urgent message (subject to provisions of the International Telegraph Regulations). Message to be delivered by express or mail. The wireless companies give the same security for delivery and compensation for errors as are afforded by the telegraph and the cable companies. For filling out marconigram blanks use the same directions given for those of land and cable companies. For complete information on radio communication, write to the United States Department of Commerce and Labor for pamphlet on " Instructions for Radio Communication/' Review Questions for Chapter XVII 1 Does a telegram have a title, a salutation, a complimentary close ? 2 Mention some points to be observed in sending telegrams. 3 How long must a word be before it is counted as two w r ords ? 4 What is meant by a code ? What purpose does it serve ? 5 What are some of the rules that govern the transmission of marconigrams ? Exercises 1 Compose from the following a ten- word telegram : " A New York firm cables to its London buyer to exercise great care in selecting silk goods, as the firm has received information to the effect that the stock offered in London is suspicious in texture and that he should not buy unless at very low prices." 2 Write a telegram of ten words to the American Theater, New York, to reserve five box-seats for Shylock, April 23 ; also for Macbeth matinee, April 29. 3 Write a telegram, with carbon copy, of twenty-five words to be extracted from the following narrative : On account of damage to paper stock in our bindery and the general confusion resulting from a fire we are not able to forward the press-proofs of your book. To help us out, however, we have sublet a part of the work, and hope to be able to have at least half the material again out of the press within three weeks. We admit the responsibility and will accept the penalty for our failure to fill the contract terms STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 187 4 Write a wireless message of 12 words from the steamer Montauk to the Baltimore (Md.) Singing Society, Wm. Marion, City Hall, President. Announce that you have secured the famous tenor Cadori for your concert on May 15. 5 You have just learned of the untrust worthiness of your em- ployee, Thomas M. Snow, who represents you in your line of Majestic Shoes in the West. Prepare a brief telegram, to be sent to ten customers, warning them not to accept Snow's repre-~ sentations. Also announce that a new sales agent will take his place immediately. CHAPTER XVIII FILING AND INDEXING THE lessons in card-indexing and letter-filing should be given in lecture form by actual demonstration. Following this the pupils should be required to answer the questions orally or in writing or to go to the cabinets and give practical exhibition. The duty of the stenographer or correspondent does not end with the writing of the letter. He must know each step in the process of correspondence from the dictation of outgoing letters to the final disposition of those that arrive. The subject-matter for dictation is frequently drawn from letters, cards, and other documents already in their respective files. Ready access to these papers is indispensable to speed and accuracy in correspondence. The busy dictator must not be obliged to leave his desk to seek the information needed nor to return it when used ; to get this material is a function of an assistant. Not to be able to do so classifies him as partly incompetent in his chosen work. When it is considered that nearly every office has a system of letter-filing and card- indexing, and that to manipulate this device is often the work of the stenographer or typewriter, it is not remark- able that so much attention is given to it in commercial education ; and the necessity of the study is clearly shown by the fact that for years the Regents of the University of the State of New York have incorporated it into their commercial examinations. The lessons in letter-filing and card-indexing are the result of studying the Regents' questions for the past ten years for the purpose of building a course sufficiently comprehensive to convey a working knowledge of the system and to pass State or other educational examinations. 188 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 189 Introduction All office systems which have to do with the filing of correspondence and other business papers, the writing up of records of various kinds, including ledger accounts, record of customers, card-filing systems, etc., can be grouped into two classes : Record-keeping systems ; Record-filing systems. By record-keeping is meant the classifying of transcribed information ; that is, the indexing of card forms bearing information that has been taken from letters or other papers. This transcribed information, of course, may be placed on cards or loose leaves, or in bound books or in various other ways. Record-filing refers to the indexing of papers and other records that do not have to be transcribed, but may be filed away in the original form in which they are received. Ordinary correspondence, such as letters received and copies of replies, are included in this class. The information that is written up in books or on card forms is termed transcribed information ; and the records bearing this information have to be classified and indexed just the same as original papers, though not always by the same method. There are many different ways of indexing papers and records of all kinds ; namely, alphabetical, numerical, by date, by subject, by location, and so on. All these different methods, however, may be grouped into three classes : By names of firms and individuals ; By location or towns ; By subjects. Numerical indexing is accomplished by assigning numbers to names of firms and individuals and keeping an index to these numbers alphabetically in a book or by a card-system. Numbers may likewise be assigned to towns or to subjects. The term " numerical indexing " is not a separate method in itself but is based on one of the fundamental ways. To index by the first method, alphabetical indexes are generally used ; for the second method, State and town indexes and sometimes street indexes are used ; for the third, index-guides bearing the names of special articles or topics. QUESTIONS What do you understand by What does the term " record- the term "office system " ? filing " mean ? Into what two general classes Name the three fundamental can all office systems be grouped ? ways of indexing papers and Give a definition of the term records. " transcribed information " as it is Describe numerical indexing, used with reference to record- Into which of the three funda- keeping methods. mental groups does it fall ? 190 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Sectional Filing-Cabinet made up of separate units or sections of uniform width and depth, and forming a complete cabinet in one piece STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 191 Record-Keeping and Record-Filing Systems The illustration represents a stack of sectional filing cabinets. By " sectional " is meant the method of constructing cabinets in units or sections, each unit being of a uniform width and depth so as to fit together one above another, and forming in appearance a complete cabinet in one piece. In the illustration is 1 top section. the Shannon system or arch method of filing, one for the 1 card section for 5x3 cards flat, or loose-leaf method, and containing 5 drawers (1 drawer one plain box drawer). fitted with flat rod, 1 drawer with round rod, and 3 drawers 1 vertical section containing two rodless). drawers. 1-3 drawer-filing section contain- 1 leg base section, ing three drawers (one for Drawer No. I. Correspondence Index. Contains a set of alphabetical guides ( ^r 40 subdivisions) and 500 cards (correspondence form of ruling). Tiiis drawer constitutes a numerical index to the vertical filing-system. Drawer No. 2. Label this drawer " Follow-up." It contains a set of alphabetical guides ( ~j~j~ 80 subdivisions) and 500 printed cards, the cards being the form illustrated on page 184, and 100 of the small metal tabs to cross-index the cards by date. Drawer No. 3. Labeled "Quotations Given and Received." It contains a set of alphabetical guides ( ~f-f- 25 subdivisions) and 500 printed cards for recording quotations given and a set of +f 25 subdivisions and 500 printed cards for quotations received; Drawer No. 4. Labeled " Stock Record " and contains 50 index-guides bearing the names of articles, such as Brass, Castings, Hammers, Pliers, etc., and 500 cards for keeping a record of stock. There is also in this drawer a catalogue index by dealers and articles with suitable printed cards. Drawer No. 5. This drawer is to be labeled " Ledger Accounts." It contains the proper index-guides and cards for the keeping of ledger accounts. The Shannon section contains in the first drawer an index printed A to Z for the filing of correspondence. The drawer is to be labeled "Letters." The second drawer of the section will be labeled " Orders," and is to contain a loose-sheet index, or flat index, and the third drawer is to be labeled " Samples." The Vertical section is, in the first drawer, to contain the label " Alphabet- ical-Numerical," and in the second drawer one " Geographical-Subject." The samples in these two drawers illustrate practically every method of filing correspondence numerical, alphabetical, geographical, and subject. 192 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Relative sizes of cards. There are three stock sizes of cards, namely, 5x3, 6x4, and 8x5 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 193 The Card-SystemSizes of Cards The card-system may be described as a method of keeping records on cards of uniform size and thickness filed on edge in a card-drawer indexed by guide-cards. The cards are made in three standard sizes, the smallest 5* wide by 3' high ; medium size 6" wide by 4" high, and largest 8* wide by 5* high, as the illustration on the previous page shows. Card-systems involving the smallest size of card (5" x 3") are generally used for such purposes as lists of customers, names and addresses, indexes to ledgers and other records, indexes to libraries, etc. The medium size (6* x 4") is largely in use for records of more importance, such as follow-up sys- tems, sales records, records of employees, records of stock, and so on. The largest size (8* x 5") is in most general use for customers' ledgers, the large stock-systems, cost-records, and the more important systems generally. Cards are sometimes used without ruling or printing ; sometimes they are merely ruled horizontally, as the illustration shows, and again they may be printed as shown on pages 182 and 184. Cards are now being used for nearly every record-keeping method for which books were formerly used exclusively. The system possesses many advantages over books, the principal one of which may be said to be the separation of " open " and " closed " items. The cards bearing old or useless information may be instantly removed from the card-drawer and cards for new matter can be conveniently inserted at any part without disturbing the plan of classification. Another advantage no less important is that a card-record is continuous ; that is, it does not become full as a bound book does, so that a new book must be opened periodically with more or less rewriting ot records. The card- system may be extended indefinitely : it is brought down to date every time an old card is taken out and a new one inserted. QUESTIONS Name the three standard sizes What is the common use for the of cards. 5x3 size ? For the 6x4 size ? For the 8 x 5 size ? Can more than one size of card be used in the same drawer ? Name some advantages of the card-system over the bound-book In how many different forms or loose-leaf method, (printing or ruling) may cards be secured ? 194 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 1 CUT CUT r 'A CUT '/4 CUT '/5 CUT Cuts or extensions of Index-Guides. These are the standard cuts, but " special " cuts are occasionally used STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 195 The Card-System Index-Guides To facilitate the handling of cards it is necessary to separate them with index-guides. These are cards of the same size of heavier material bearing extensions or projections on the upper edge. These extensions are furnished in different widths. For the sake of brevity all indexes are termed " guides " whether used in a card -system or a vertical letter system. When the cards bear projections . at the top they are termed " tabs." When the guides bear projections they are termed " extensions." Guides are furnished with extensions blank and printed. The former are termed blank guides and are not made in sets as printed guides, but may be procured in any quantity, whether 5, 50, 100, or 1,000. When a card-system is indexed alphabetically it means that the cards are separated by guides with alphabetical subdivisions printed on the extensions. This is also true of geographical and subject-indexing. These index-guides are made in regular sets, the smallest arrangement of alphabetical guides being termed the No. 25 set. This means there are 25 guides to the set one guide for each letter of the alphabet with X Y on a single guide. A No. 40 set has 40 guides, there being a single and sometimes 2 or 3 guides for the larger and more important letters, as B, M, S, etc. The plan of numbering guide-sets is followed for convenience, the figure always indicating the number of guides in the set and not whether it is alphabetical or daily or otherwise. For example, the sets 25, 40, 80, 120, 160, and so on, are alphabetical sets. Set No. 31 is daily, one guide for each day of the month ; and set No. 12 is monthly, one guide for each month of the year. Set No. 57 has one guide for each State and U. S. possession. A drawer of cards is sufficiently indexed by guides if there are not more than 10 cards behind every guide. Guides are often used in combination as regards width of extensions. For example, a set of No. 57 State guides contains 57 extensions, one printed for each State and United States possession, the extensions of the guides being one cut. If there are more cards to file in one or two States than in the others then sets of No. 25 guides are arranged behind the State guides for the larger States so as to sub-classify the extra cards to be filed behind them. QUESTIONS What are index-guides as What does the numerical desig- distinguished from index-cards ? nation of a set of guides mean ? Describe the different size cuts How man y guides are there in in which guide extensions are a ^~ ^ se ^ ' Do blank guides have to be What is meant by the term rdered in Sets ? " extension " ? By the term Explain how sets of guides may tab " ? be used in combination. 196 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Numerical Guides from 1 to 200 Alphabetical Guides Set of 80 Subdivisions Follow-Up Arrangement Daily (1-31) and Monthly (Jan.-Dec.) Town Guides in State of New York STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 197 Card-System Index-Guides The illustrations on the preceding page represent the standard methods of indexing cards or other records. The subject method of indexing is not illustrated but is described on page 217. In connection with the county and town guides but one State guide is shown from a No. 57 set. The set of guides shown in the upper corner of the illustration is a No. 80 alphabetical set. The extensions are made one-fifth cut and the subdivisions are printed in alphabetical order from left to right but not from front to back. Attention is also called to the fact that the first subdivision of each letter is printed in red and the remaining subdivisions of that letter in black a feature that greatly facilitates filing and reference. To the right of the No. 80 set of guides is a numerical arrangement, the illustration combining record-cards and index-guides. The cards are dis- tinguished from the guides by the white projecting tabs printed to 9 in sets. The guides have buff extensions. The tabs of the cards and the extensions of the guides are used in combination to form the numbers. For instance, card No. 175 would be located first by buff guide 100, down the left edge ; second, by finding guide No. 70, the seventh guide behind the one hundredth ; third, by finding the card with a "5" tab behind the 70 guide. The figures on the tabs are the unit figures of the numbers. Under the set of No. 80 guides is an illustration containing two sets of guides, one a No. 31, or daily set, and the other a No. 12, or monthly set. The No. 31 is shown behind the first guide (January) of the No. 12. These two sets are nearly always used in combination. Notice that the No. 31 set is made one-fifth cut and the No. 12 one-third cut. Under the set of numerical guides is an illustration of a portion of a set of county guides. To distinguish county guides from State guides (which are made salmon) and town guides (which are made buff) they are usually made blue. The extensions are one-third cut, but could as well be one cut or one-half cut. Beneath the county guides is a portion of a set of town guides made buff, one-third cut. The State guide for New York, shown in the front of the illustration, is not a part of the town guide set but is taken from a set of No. 57 State guides. QUESTIONS How many guides are there to What advantage is there in a No. 80 alphabetical set ? making the first guides of the What is meant by a numerical- different letters in alphabetical sets index ? of a different color from the others ? Are the tabs for the unit figures a part of the guide set ? What ,. ig uged in What is a No. 31 index ? A and county guides ? No. 12 ? 198 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Card-Trays and Cabinets. These may be secured for the three standard sizes of cards STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 199 The Card-SystemTrays and Cabinets The drawers in which cards are kept are of various styles known as open trays, loose-cover trays, hinged-cover trays, and cabinets, as will be very clear from an examination of the illustrations. The cabinet shown is the one-drawer. There are two-drawer, four-drawer, six-drawer, and nine-drawer cabinets. The first form of tray or cabinet ever used was undoubtedly the desk tray so that the cards could be kept at the desk for instant use. This is the style of tray illustrated in cut A, made without cover. When not in use it is placed in the uppermost drawer of the desk. Trays were next made with loose covers and finally with hinged covers, and then the one-drawer cabinet was invented. Card-cabinets are also made in sectional style ; that is, cabinet units of a specified number of drawers; i. e., a five-drawer unit, which can be arranged to form a complete cabinet. The advantage of this method of construction is that a cabinet can be started with only five drawers and extended by the addition of many other similar sections. Every card-drawer contains a sliding block called a " follower " that can be adjusted to the number of cards in the drawer to keep them in an upright position. This follower-block slides back and forth in a little metal track. It is a most convenient arrangement, and makes it possible to release the block when reference is made to the cards. When the card-system was first used it was invariably the practise always to lock the card -drawer or desk-tray when through referring to the contents because of fear of accident and the consequent mixing of the cards. As the card-system came generally into use and is now better understood the necessity for precaution by using locks and rods is no longer felt. The card-drawers generally contain rods as a safeguard against accident, the rod in a few instances being provided with a lock so that cards cannot be removed except by authorized persons. The covers to the trays, as well as the drawers of the cabinets, can also be provided with locks so as to guard the cards against examination. A single card-drawer averages about 1,000 cards of medium thickness. This includes the necessary guides, about 1 for every 10 cards. QUESTIONS Name the different styles in What is the follower-block ? which card-trays are furnished. Wherein does the one-drawer Wh at is the function of the card-cabinet differ from a tray ? rod in a card-drawer ? 14 (400) 200 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH A complete Card-System, consisting of Cards, Guides and Card-drawer STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 201 The Card-System in Operation The three elements of which the card-system is made are : record-cards, index-guides and a tray, or cabinet. In using the system it is not necessary to remove the drawer. It may be pulled from the cabinet opening only far enough to enable the user of the system to find the card. Where the card-system is used for customers' ledger accounts, as it is now being used very widely, it is preferable to place the card-drawer containing the ledger cards upon the bookkeeper's desk. The most convenient feature of keeping ledger accounts on cards is that it is necessary to refer to a certain card only to examine the account ; whereas when ledger accounts are kept in books the whole book must be handled. Sometimes it is necessary to show the customer's account to him. Where books are used the customer has the opportunity of seeing other persons' accounts in the ledger. Where he is given his account card, however, to examine he has no such opportunity. There are two ways of posting customers' accounts. One is to find each card as needed and, after posting, to return it to its place in the card- drawer ; the other is to select from the card-drawer all the cards to which postings must be made and not to return them to their places until all postings have been completed. Another advantage of using a card-ledger is that the cards may be laid on the journal sheet with the top of the card beneath the item to be posted. By thus bringing the item and the posting together the chances of error are diminished. QUESTIONS What are the three parts of a card-system as shown by the illustration ? In what way is the act of locating a card in the card-drawer more convenient and quicker than finding a page in a bound or loose-leaf book ? Describe the two ways of posting customers' accounts with a card-ledger system, and after making a practical test of both methods state which method you prefer and give the reasons for your preference. In posting an item to a custom- er's account card describe how you would handle the card where lay it, etc. in performing the act. 202 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH How cards are indexed behind Alphabetical Guides by firm names STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 203 Indexing Cards Alphabetically In the illustration a portion only of a set of No. 25 index-guides is repre- sented, comprising the letters P to Z. The other letters, A to O, are not shown. If they were they would be in front of the P guide. A card bearing the name of the Yawman & Erbe Mfg. Co. and their address is shown in its proper alphabetical position behind the XY guide. The guides are generally buff in color, without printing, while the cards are white and without extensions. This form of card is termed a printed form. It is 5" wide by 3" high, as are also the guides. Some printed form cards are in such general use that they are furnished in this form, though as a rule the forms are printed to suit individual requirements. The advantage of using a printed form card over a plain unprinted form is that the printed headings insure uniformity in the filling in of entries and call the attention to each item of information. Moreover, there is also a certain definite place on the card where each item of information may be found when referring to the system. Where an unprinted form is used the information on the cards is apt to be written in a haphazard fashion, so that to obtain any item of information it is necessary to read the whole card. .When indexing, the cards must be arranged behind the index-guides under which they belong and not in front. The card for Yawman & Erbe Mfg. Co., for example, is placed behind the XY guide for Y, the first name of the firm, and not in front of it. In indexing there are individuals' names, firm names, and others. Classification of individuals' names is done by using the initial letter of the surnames ; of firm names by the initial letter of the surname of the first firm name ; all the others by the initial letter of the first surname, or other designation ; as, Standard Oil Company behind S : New York Central R. R. behind N. QUESTIONS How many guides are there in the entire set shown ? What guides the complete set of which but are missing ? a portion is illustrated on page IQQ p State the advantages of using a printed form of card such as that Why is the card in this illus- shown in this cut. tration filed in front of the Z guide ? Give two reasons why record - cards should be filed behind the What set of alphabetical guides index-guides and not in front of is shown in this illustration ? Is them. 204 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH The Follow-up Usual form of " Follow-up " record. The cards are arranged alphabetically and cross-indexed by date STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 205 The Card-System Follow-up The term " follow-up " means generally to follow prospective customers for orders. The system is in widest use by mail-order houses, which, as their name implies, solicit business through the mails. Their plan of soliciting business is to send circulars and to advertise in the magazines. Lists of names are sometimes copied on cards, but more often are contained in telephone directories, typewritten lists, etc. Where the card follow-up system is used a card is made out for the prospective customer only after a reply has been received from a circular, as follows : Suppose you had a list of dealers in the state of Ohio containing 1,500 names and you sent a. circular to each. In a week you get a reply from Quincy & Meyers of Columbus, Ohio, saying they received a circular and desire further information regarding your goods. You then make out a card, as shown in the illustration, entering their name, file number (which may mean account number), town, street, rating (taken from Dun's book) source, whose territory (the correspondent who has charge of this territory) and business. Then under the heading " We Wrote " will be set down the dates upon which letters answering their inquiry are sent out. The entries on the card show the first letter was mailed September 10 (Circular A). No reply to that being received the second was mailed September 20 (Circular B) ; to which no reply being received Circular C was mailed under date of September 30. Now referring to the column " They Wrote " you will see that a reply was received under date of October 2 asking for " Terms," which letter was answered (see " We Wrote ") under date of October 5, a special letter having been written quoting " regular " terms. A metal tab was then slipped over the top edge of the card covering the figure 12 to indicate that this card must be brought up for attention (or followed up) on that date, which is seven days after the last letter was written. The card, in this condition, is then returned to the card-drawer and filed back of the " Q " guide. (See illustration.) QUESTIONS Define " mail order " and men- H w are record-cards indexed tion one of the commonest ways of and what is the function of the soliciting business. indicator as shown on the cards in the illustration ? In what form is it most What is done with the record- convenient to handle lists of card after all letters have been names where they are not in answered and no order received card-form ? from Q uincy & Meyers ? 206 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Sample of " half cut " Vertical Folder for holding correspondence Set of No. 80 Alphabetical Guides showing how folders are filed behind them STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 207 Record-Filing The Vertical System By a record-filing system is meant the indexing of papers or other records (not necessarily letters but frequently so) that do not have to be transcribed but may be filed away in the original form. The vertical system is the one most generally used in filing correspondence. As business letters come in various sizes, forms, and thicknesses of letter paper, with not a few postal cards scattered in, it is necessary to have a means of conveniently holding and handling them. For accomplishing this purpose the folder is employed. A folder is a sheet of heavy manila paper made with one fold and measuring when folded about 12" wide by 9" high. A folder of this kind holds from 50 to 100 letters, depending on the thickness of the sheets, etc. The back sheet and front sheet of the folders are nearly equal in height, though the back sheet should project slightly above the front sheet for convenience in handling. One of the best forms of folders now used is that termed " half cut " in lefts and rights. This tab is printed with the words " Name " and " Number," as a folder generally is devoted to a certain firm or individual, and this space provides for entering the name thereon. On the second line of the tab may be written the date of the oldest letter and the date of the latest when the folder has become filled. When folders are placed in the vertical file-drawer they are just high enough to allow the extension on the guides to project above them. As with the card-system so with the vertical system, the folders must always be filed behind (not in front) the guides. There is no limit to the number of folders which may be filed behind a single guide. Separate folders may be assigned to different firms and individuals or to different towns if the filing is by location instead of alphabetically. QUESTIONS Describe what a folder is and In what position are the folders how the letters are arranged in filed in a vertical drawer with it. respect to the guides ? Are folders always required in How many vertical folders may letter-filing ? Why could they not be filed behind a single guide ? be dispensed with ? What is meant by " half-cut " ? 208 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH A Vertical Drawer showing how the folders are placed therein How the drawer looks apart from the cabinet. The guides are arranged for following-up correspondence STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 209 Record-Filing The Vertical System The three requisites of a filing-system, and in particular the vertical system, are : folders for holding letters, index-guides for classifying them, and a cabinet in which to arrange them. In this illustration is seen a method of placing and removing folders in a vertical filing-system. A vertical drawer, unlike a card-drawer, is much larger and heavier and for that reason is placed in the cabinet opening to run on metal rollers, the metal runways for which may be seen on the side of the drawer. This permits the drawer to run easily back and forth no matter how heavily laden, and also being provided with a " stop " makes it impossible accidentally to pull the drawer out of the cabinet and throw it to the floor. Vertical drawers come in two sizes : the small which hold between 2,500 and 3,000 papers, and the large, about 3,500 to 5,000, depending somewhat on the thickness of the papers. . A more detailed view of a vertical file-drawer gives a better idea of how the index-guides look when arranged therein. This drawer, you will note, is labeled " Pending," which means that the drawer contains correspondence or papers that are open and are being followed up. The first set of index-guides in the drawer is a No. 25 set, A to Z. Following this and in the middle section is a set of No. 31 guides ; that is, 31 guides to the set, printed from 1 to 31 and representing the days of the month. The last set in the drawer is called a No. 12 set, consisting of 12 guides printed with the months of the year January to December. Papers or letters to be followed up on a certain date are filed behind the index-guide corresponding to that date. QUESTIONS What are the three requisites of a vertical filing-system ? Mention two advantages of the metal-roller suspension slides. What does the term " pending " mean and what index-guides should a pending-file contain ? How are the follow-up guides used (the set of No. 31 and the set of No. 12) so that it is not necessary to have a complete set of No. 31 guides behind every one of the twelve monthly guides ? 210 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH A set of No. 25 Alphabetical Guides showing the simplest use of the Vertical System STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 211 Record-Filing Alphabetical Folders and Guides The illustration on this page is the commonest form of name, or alphabet- ical, filing. The index is known as a No. 25 subdivision. Only a portion is shown for the letters A to J, the remaining letters, K to Z, being absent. ... In simple alphabetical filing a set of alphabetical folders must be used to correspond with the set of alphabetical guides. Notice in the illustration that directly behind every alphabetical guide there is a folder bearing the same letter of the alphabet in the extreme left corner of the tab. When a system of this kind is put into use all letters which go behind the various index-guides are at first placed in a single folder bearing a letter of the alphabet. When letters in a certain folder become too numerous the letters in the folder are assorted to find the excess for certain firms. These firms are then provided with separate folders, the name of the firm being written on the extension, and the special folders are placed back of the guide but in front of the general or alphabetical folder. For example : It might be found that in the A folder behind the A guide there was correspondence from six or eight different firms, but that more than half of the total amount of correspondence was with Adams & Co. and Anderson & Jones. Consequently two blank folders would be written up, one for each of these firms and the correspondence for each filed therein. These alphabetical sets of index-guides may also be used for filing letters by towns as well as customers' names. Correspondence from Jones & Smith, Batavia, N. Y., under the town method of filing would be placed back of the B guide. QUESTIONS How many guides are there in folder behind a guide becomes the set of guides of which only a filled what plan is followed for part is seen on the illustration ? placing certain of the correspon- dence in separate folders ? In starting a vertical system with a set of guides what sort of How would you file letters by folders are also needed ? towns instead of firm names behind an alphabetical set of When a single, or alphabetical index-guides ? 212 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Sample set of guides showing how correspondence back of any particular State may be subdivided by firm names or by towns STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 213 Record-Filing Indexing by States and Towns It is not advisable to file letters or other papers by states and towns except where there is considerable correspondence covering a wide territory. If a business house had letters to file with concerns located in one or two towns only the alphabetical method would be best suited, but where the correspondence covers a great many towns and several states then the geographical method is the most suitable. In the illustration is shown a set of State guides. This is the basis of all State and town indexing. As soon as papers begin to increase behind the guides for various States sub-alphabetical, or town, indexes may be inserted for classifying the papers by towns. For example : in the illus- tration behind the guide for Canada is seen a set of No. 25 subdivisions. The next correspondence after this might be heaviest in New York State. By inserting a set of No. 25 subdivisions behind the guide for New York State the papers may be sub-classified by towns or names. Sometimes the subdivisions behind the States are by counties, several guides being provided with the name of the counties printed on the exten- sipns. In other cases special guides bearing the names of towns are used and behind these alphabetical sets are inserted for sub-classifying the correspondence in the towns by names of firms arid individuals. Thus it will be seen that although indexing by location may be started in a very simple way with a set of No. 57 State guides, the size of the index may be extended indefinitely by adding sub-indexes behind the States. One of the chief advantages of subject or location-filing is that the indexing arrangement proves useful for a greater period of time than if the filing is by firm names or individuals. Addresses do not change as frequently as firm names, and as a general thing it is easier to remember the name of a town than it is the name of a firm. Besides, having the correspondence filed and indexed by location enables one to- make his filing-system correspond in layout with the actual selling territory. QUESTIONS When would you consider it Why is the geographical method advisable to use alphabetical filing better for a great many towns ? and when geographical or location- filing ? What set of index-guides is it necessary to have in order to start 1 Why is the alphabetical method * location-file ? better where the correspondence is with firms located in one or two What is the technical term for towns ? the set of guides filed behind the State guide for Canada ? 214 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Vertical Folders and guides arranged numerically. Guides are numbered in intervals of 20, but the folders consecutively An alphabetical card-index is required when correspondence is filed numerically STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 215 Record- Fi ling Numerical I ndexi ng The term " numerical indexing " means the use of numbers to stand for firm names, towns, or subjects. The number is arbitrary and has no meaning by itself. For example : if in name-indexing the firm of John Brown & Co. were the first name taken into consideration it would be numbered 1. If Charles Williams & Son were next in order it would be numbered 2. The names are not necessarily numbered in alphabetical order. They might be started in that way but new names could not be properly inserted thereafter. The illustration is the form of record-filing termed " numerical." The index-guides bear numbers at intervals of 10 or 20, while the folders filed behind them are numbered consecutively by 1's, making 10 or 20 (as the case may be) folders behind each index-guide. An index to the numbers must be provided on 5 x 3 cards as is shown in the other illustration. Generally the numerical method of indexing is used where the names or towns or subjects admit of more than one interpretation or use. The best example of this is in name or alphabetical filing where letters from a firm are apt to be signed by the different individuals who are officers of the company. The number 181 is assigned the First National Bank of Cedal Rapids, Iowa. All correspondence from that company is filed in folder 181. As correspon- dence is sometimes signed by Mr. Wellman, the cashier, a card for Wellman is made out and indexed under W in the card-drawer and bearing the bank's number, 181. Sometimes a man may be an officer in two or more companies and may write a letter from the office of one company on a certain subject and at other times write from the office of the other company on the same subject, using different stationery each time. The name of one company might be the Mechanics' National Bank, while another might be the Enterprise Foundry Company. Under the alphabetical system the letters would be filed in differ- ent places. Under the numerical method a memorandum of the fact referred to can be placed in the card-index so that when a letter is received its proper filing-place can be at once noted on it by number. QUESTIONS Describe in a general way what uncertainty about classifying cor- is meant by numerical filing. respondence on Accidents, Injuries, Derailments, and Collisions, etc. When should the numerical What index-cards would be made method of indexing be used ? out in the card-system ? Where correspondence is filed Give an illustration under the by sub-subjects there is some alphabetical system. 15 (400) 216 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH An illustration of Subject-Indexing of correspondence. This may be used for either correspondence or samples STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 217 Record-Filing Indexing by Subject Subject-indexing is the most difficult of all methods of filing and should never be used except in cases where alphabetical or name-indexing, or indexing by location, will not meet the requirements. The special danger in subject-indexing is the getting of too many subjects. The method is very much abused in this respect. It seems a very easy matter- to decide to file correspondence by subject and to select a list of the various subjects, such as " Accidents," " Advertising," " Branches," " Credits," " Complaints," " Shipments," etc., etc., without laying down any rules defining just what each subject term means. The result is one clerk will decide that a certain piece of correspondence is a " Complaint " while another will file it under " Shipments " because it is a complaint about a shipment. Again, in selecting a list of subject-names very frequently several classes of a general subject will be listed, such as " Accounting," " Costs," " Pur- chases," " Claims," " Legal." The mistake made here is that there is but one general subject which is " Accounting " and all the others are sub-classes of that, but if all are given separate places the list of subjects will be continually added to and will stretch out indefinitely. The one special rule to follow in subject-indexing is first to select a list of general subjects, which shall be as consistent as possible and then to divide the general subjects into sub-subjects. This arrangement will permit sub- subjects being added at any time without confusion. If there is any difficulty between any two sub-subjects they are at least in the same general sub-class and cannot be filed very far apart. The illustration on the opposite page shows one of the easiest forms of subject-indexing. The general subjects are represented by the names of papers, such as " Bond Papers," " Card Board," " Catalogue Envelope," etc., each of which is divided into sub-classes " Low," " Medium," " High," and " Others." QUESTIONS When is subject-indexing to be In a subject-file containing the considered as regards name and headings " Accidents," " Derail- location indexing ? ments," " Collisions," " Injuries," which would you term general What is the special danger in subjects and which sub-subjects ? subject-indexing ? What rule should be followed in laying out a subject-index ? 218 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Shannon, or Arch, System of filing letters Loose-sheet System, drawer closed Loose-sheet System, drawer open STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 219 Record-Filing Shannon and Loose-Sheet Systems The first letter-file system ever designed was known as the loose-sheet, so called in distinction to the arch or Shannon system of filing where the papers are perforated and held in position on arches. The loose-sheet file consists of a letter-size drawer containing an index of twenty sheets lying in the drawer flat with the openings on the right-hand long side. An examination of the illustration will make the make-up of this file clear. The index leaves bear projecting tabs for the letters of the alphabet or numbers to correspond with the days of the month. Letters and papers are filed between sheets of the index loosely. When the file-drawer becomes filled with correspondence the contents, including the index, are lifted out and placed in a transfer-case and a new empty index put into the drawer. The Shannon or arch system of filing consists of a small letter-size file- drawer about the size of a loose-sheet file except that the drawer consists only of bottom and front. It has no sides, sides being unnecessary on account of the arches on which the papers are filed. The arch is double in construction and is placed at the rear of the file-drawer. All letters filed in the drawer have to be perforated with two small holes at the top for fitting over the arches. The invention of the Shannon file brought with it some very marked improvements over the loose-sheet file, one of which is that the file is proof against accident. There is no way of dislodging the letters from a Shannon file after they are once placed on the arches. Also, any letter filed in the Shannon file can be examined without removing it from the arch simply by raising up and laying over the papers filed above it. This feature in itself is the means of saving a great deal of time in business offices. QUESTIONS Describe the loose-leaf letter- How does the construction of file and state what kind of index it the loose-sheet file-drawer differ is equipped with. from the Shannon file-drawer ? In what way are letters trans- What is the distinguishing feature ferred from a loose-sheet file- of the Shannon method of filing ? drawer to a transfer-case ? Why is the Shannon system accident-proof ? 220 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH KEEPINGALWAWfHE HARMONIOUS APPEARANCE OF THESTACK Filing-Systems The Receptacle Business conditions demand that filing-cabinets be made in sectional construction. This means that file-drawers for various kinds of systems, such as card-index, vertical, etc., must be made in separate units (a specified number of drawers in each unit) and that the various units shall be of the same size so far as width and depth are concerned. This makes it possible to arrange units into various combinations so that they present the form and appearance of a solidly built cabinet. The illustration on the upper portion of this page makes quite clear the advantage of this method of construction. In the upper left-hand corner is shown the beginning of a filing-cabinet, which, when filled with records, is enlarged by the addition of another ; and this, in the course of time, is added to by others. The cabinet thus grows with the addition of sections, but retains at all times its unity. QUESTIONS Name one advantage possessed by section-ally made cabinets over the solidly constructed kind. In what way may a sectional cabinet be increased in size ? What advantage is there in combining different systems like the card-system, vertical, etc., etc., into a complete cabinet in one piece ? STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 221 Filing-Systems The Receptacle Another device of unit filing-cabinets is shown in this illustration. By a careful examination of the first or left-hand illustration it will be seen that the sides of the separate units are open or skeleton in construction. To cover these sides there are pairs of ends, which are detached panels, that are screwed to the sides. These correspond to the separate tops and bases of the style of construction referred to on the preceding page. This method of constructing filing-cabinets is called the upright unit method. The units are uniform in height and depth. They may vary in width. Any number of these units may be put together side by side with but one pair of ends at each extremity, forming in appearance a complete solidly made cabinet. A system may thus be started with a single upright unit and pair of ends. Other upright units may be added as required and combined with the first by removing either end and refastening it to the outside of the latest upright added. QUESTIONS What is the main point of difference between the horizontal sectional cabinets and the upright ? If three upright units were to be used how many pairs of paneled sides would be required 5 Do you see any advantage in making these upright units skeleton or open-side construction ? What is it ? 222 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH First Card- System Narrative THE UP-TO-DATE COMMERCIAL COLLEGE Progressiveville, Queens County, N. Y. January 1, 1914. The American Mfg. Co., Rochester, N. Y. Gentlemen : We desire to instal a modern filing-system for keeping track of our correspondence with students, and for our catalogues, orders, mailing-list, and follow-up system. Outline a system just as fully as possible. Yours very truly, The American Mfg. Co. reply as follows : THE AMERICAN MFG. CO. Rochester. N. Y., May 3, 1914. The Commercial College, Progressiveville, N. Y. Gentlemen : Replying to your letter of January 1 , advising us that you would be interested in receiving information about a system for keeping your various records : We take pleasure in suggesting that you instal a sectional filing cabinet as follows : 1 No. 12 Top. 1 ,,29 5-drawer Card Index Section. 1 19 Shannon Section. 1 ,, 54 Vertical Section. 1 ,, 2 Leg Base. We suggest that this cabinet be used in the following CORRESPONDENCE WITH STUDENTS The No. 54 vertical section contains two drawers for letter- size papers. We suggest that one of these drawers be labeled " Students " and be equipped with a set of No. 25 New Direct Name guides and folders, with 100 blank half-cut folders for larger correspondents. All correspondence with prospective students and parents would be filed alphabetically in this drawer. We suggest that a copy of every outgoing letter be attached to the letter to which it is a reply and filed in this drawer. If you are using the letter-press system of copying your outgoing letters, we suggest that you abandon it and adopt the carbon method or the Rapid Roller Letter Copier, both of which will give you a separate detachable copy for filing. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 223 CATALOGUES The second, or right-hand drawer of the No. 54 section may be used for filing various catalogues which you keep on file. These catalogues are those sent you by supply and book-houses, and are constantly being referred to in connection with the purchasing of goods. Place in the drawer one set of No. 25 pressboard guides without any folders of any kind, and index your catalogues alphabetically by firm name. A catalogue from the Yates & Arno Co., for instance, would be filed behind the " Y " guide ; that from the American Book Company would be filed behind the " A " guide, etc. ORDERS The No. 19 section contains three drawers, one for loose-sheet filing and two for Shannon filing. Although the loose- sheet is no longer recommended for the filing of business papers, we suggest that this drawer be a part of the cabinet simply to show students the loose-leaf system and to impress upon them its undesirable features. The left-hand drawer of this section should be the loose-sheet drawer. We suggest that it be labeled " Unfilled Orders." The other two drawers will be equipped for Shannon filing, and one should be labeled " Filled Orders A-K " and the other " Filled Orders L-Z." There would be an alphabetical index to each drawer. All your orders for supplies or material should be made out on a form of order-blank, and a carbon copy or copier copy should be made of each order. In case you use no distinctive form of order-blank an ordinary letter-head will do, writing the word " Order " plainly at the top. File the copies of all unfilled orders in the loose-sheet drawer, indexed alphabetically. When the goods for the orders are received, remove them from this drawer, and file them in one or the other of the Shannon drawers, also indexed alphabetically. MAILING-LIST The No. 29 section contains five card-drawers. The first two should be labeled " Mailing-List A-K " and " Mailing-List L-Z." They should contain a set of No. 80 card-index guides, 40 arranged in one drawer and the remaining 40 in the other drawer. While these drawers will hold approximately 2,000 cards, we suggest that you begin by using 500 cards, stock horizontal ruled, No. 2,253, for compiling a mailing-list of prospective students. These names would be gathered from different sources the graduating-lists of public schools, high schools, names taken from newspaper items, or gathered from the " Want " columns of the daily newspapers, or the name any young man or young women that you feel would be benefited by a course in your school. This mailing-list you would circularize from time to time by mailing to each name a piece of printed matter, describing the school and its work. This printed matter would be sent out in bulk to every name on the list, as that is the way circularizing is generally done. As you receive replies asking for further and more detailed information, you would make out another form of card and transfer these names to the personal follow-up list. 224 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH FOLLOW-UP SYSTEM The third drawer of the No. 29 section would be labeled " Follow-up " and should contain a set of No. 40 card-index guides and 200 cards with printed form. This is your personal and individual follow-up system, and contains names only of students who have manifested some interest in the work of the school. These you individually follow up by letters or personal calls. The cards are indexed alphabetically and cross-indexed by date, for which purpose you use movable metal tabs or indicators, which may be moved along the top of the card to indicate the date of follow-up. Just as fast as prospective students advise you that they have decided not to take your course, or have agreed to begin on a certain date, you transfer the card from the follow-up system to one or the other of the two remaining drawers, one of which is labeled " Students " and the other " Closed." STUDENTS The fourth drawer of the No. 29 section is labeled " Students " and contains a set of No. 40 card-index guides and 200 printed cards. All the cards in this drawer are indexed alphabetically by students' names, and represent the present membership of your school. Each card will show the date the student became such, a slight indication of his past history and record, the payments of his tuition, and any other notes that may give the principal some light on his (the student's) work or progress. After a prospective student has been followed up for a certain length of time and then advises you that he has decided not to take the course, you transfer his card to another drawer labeled " Closed." CLOSED The fifth drawer of the No. 29 section is labeled " Closed " and contains a set of No. 40 guide-cards and 200 printed cards. This contains all the cards that have been removed from the follow-up system when it has been definitely determined cor- respondents cannot be persuaded to take the course. These cards are printed forms which have been transferred to this drawer from the drawer labeled " Follow-Up System." CONCLUSION We have outlined this system just as clearly as is now possible. While it is true that we have not explained the matter as fully as we might, we hope that you will indicate any points about which you are not certain, and give us an opportunity to explain further. The complete cost of the cabinet is as follows : 1 No. 12 Top $3.25 1 29 Section 8.25 1 ,, 19 Combination Section . . . . 6.50 1 ,, 54 Vertical 13.50 I ., 2 Sanitary base 4.75 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 225 CORRESPONDENCE 1 set No. 25 Direct Name guides, including 100 right-cut folders $2.55 CATALOGUES 1 set No. 25 Pressboard guides, not celluloided or numbered 1.50 UNFILLED ORDERS 1 set Loose-sheet indexed A to Z No. 248 35 MAILING-LIST 1 set No. 80 Guides, heavy buff, 5 x 3 65 500 Cards No. 2253, stock horizontal ruled 1.10 FOLLOW-UP 1 set No. 40 Card-index guides, buff, heavy . . . . . . .35 200 Cards No. 2253, Form 364 Follow-up Record 45 100 Blue Indicators 60 STUDENTS 1 set No. 40 Guides 35 200 Cards, Form 03 45 CLOSED 1 set No. 40 Guides, buff, heavy, for 5 x 3 cards 35 200 Cards, Form 03 45 Total $45.40 Hoping to be favored with your order, we are Yours very truly, Second Card- System Narrative 1 Messrs. Hardman & Co., of Chicago, a small mail-order house, wish to reform their methods of filing their correspondence. They write to The American Mfg. Co., of Rochester, N. Y., manufacturers of filing devices, to submit a description of a model equipment for that purpose, together with instructions as to its use. 2 The company in their reply mention that their estimate and instructions are based upon an assumed correspondence of 100 letters a day. They describe briefly the object to be achieved by each device, and show how, by following instructions, the purpose may be effected more rapidly and surely than by any other method. 226 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH THE AMERICAN MFG. CO. CARD-SYSTEM DEVICES Rochester, N. Y., May 30, 1912. Messrs. Hardman & Co., Chicago, 111. Gentlemen : In reply to your letter of recent date, regarding your present method of filing your correspondence and following up prospective customers, and keeping track of regular customers, we take pleasure in suggesting the following system : You will require a filing-cabinet for holding your correspondence and records made up of the following sections : 1 No. 12 Top. 1 ,,52 Glass-door Storage Section. 1 ,,30 Card Section 1 ,,60 Vertical 1 ,,59 Vertical 1 6 Sanitary Base. Correspondence We note you handle about 100 letters a day, and we assume that 60 per cent, of these are letters received from your customers, and 40 per cent, are copies of replies. We suggest, first of all, that you abandon your present method of copying your outgoing letters in letter-books and adopt the roller copying process or the carbon manifolding, either of which will give you a separate copy that may be attached to the letter to which it replies. For the mail-order business there is no better method of indexing than the geographical. We suggest that your four vertical drawers, which represent filing capacity for approximately one year, be equipped with a set of index-guides for all the States from Alabama to Wyoming (removing the index-guides of such States in which you, at present, have no correspondence), and divicl*' these guides into four parts, placing the guides for " Ala. to 111." in the first drawer ; those for "Ind. to N. H." in the second, those for " N. J. to R. I." in the third, and those for " S. C. to Wyo." in the fourth. Behind each State index place a set of alphabetical guides of 25 parts or 40 parts or 80 parts (depending upon the amount of correspondence you have in each State), for indexing by towns, alphabetically. For example, back of the guide for New York State you would undoubtedly require a set of No. 80 indexes. All correspondence for Buffalo would be indexed behind the guide " Bu-By." All correspondence for Batavia would be indexed behind the guide " Bas-Baz." Separate folders would be made for each firm in Buffalo and Batavia, with the name of the firm written on the tab of the folder. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 227 The advantage of geographical indexing for mail-ordei houses is that the arrangement of your correspondence and other papers follows closely the actual layout of your selling territory. By referring to the index for Batavia, N. Y., you will find in the files all the correspondence that you ever had in that town collected in one place. This is a great convenience in looking up the sales possibilities of different localities. The Card- System and Mailing- Lists The No. 30 section contains 15 drawers for 5x3 cards. We suggest that you card all your various mailing-lists, labeling the different drawers accordingly ; such as, the first drawer " Manufacturers," second drawer " Miscellaneous," third drawer " Retail Dealers," fourth drawer " Lawyers," fifth drawer " Physicians," etc. This would mean putting all your mailing-lists on cards for circularizing purposes. We estimate that you would require 10 or 12 drawers for these mailing-lists, leaving three or four drawers for the follow-up system. We suggest your mailing-list be written on 5 x 3 cards, stock horizontally ruled, as per sample, and be indexed by alphabetical guides for States and Towns. Follow-up System Label one of the card-drawers " Prospective Customers," and place therein a set of State guides, or a large set of alphabetical guides for indexing by towns. Just as soon as a person in your mailing-list responds and asks for information, remove the card from the mailing-list section and make out a printed card for the follow-up system. This card should be printed according to form attached. A metal tab should be attached to the card to indicate the follow-up date. A record of all letters written and all letters received should be made on the card. Closed File and Customers The other two drawers will be labeled " Closed " and " Customers " respectively. When you have followed up a prospect to the point where you can get no further reply and no sale of goods has been made, remove the card from the follow-up system and place it in the drawer marked " Closed." All follow-ups that result in sales should be placed in the drawer marked " Customers." Both of these drawers should be indexed with a set of State guides, or a large set of alphabetical guides for filing by towns. Glass-Door Storage Section This section should be used for filing directories, such as telephone and street directories, and other volumes from which mailing-lists may be obtained. It may also be used for the filing of catalogues. We trust the information given will enable you to understand how the system operates. If there are any points we have not made clear kindly let us know and we shall be glad to go further into the matter. Yours very truly, CHAPTER XIX APPENDIX A. Review Questions on the Appendix 1 For which class of professional men is the title " Esq." proper ? (Charles W. Towne, Esq.) 2 May " Esq." be used when the name is preceded by " Mr." ? (Mr. Henry Canning, Esq.) 3 What do these signs signify : 4x6; 2' x 4" ; 20 10' 12' ? 4 What do " do." or " id." mean ? 5 What do " i.e.," " viz.", and " e.g." mean ? 6 What does " 15, 10, and 5 " (trade discounts) mean ? 7 What do " 4 2 yd., 7 14 lb., 18 10 ft., 38 7 fur." mean ? 8 What does ^ after figures mean (49 #) ? 9 What does 2/10 n/30 mean ? 10 How are these named : e e e e ? 11 Are Roman numerals followed by periods ? Charles XII Chap. IV A. D. MCMIX. 12 In manuscript what is meant by three lines drawn under a word, as, times ; two lines, as chapter ; one line, as seabird ? 13 What is the usage of the dieresis (..) ? To indicate that the second of two adjacent vowels is to be pronounced separately ; not used in typewriting. 14 What indicates in the body of the manuscript that there is a reference note at the bottom of the page ? 15 What is meant by an assignment ? by endorse ? by bomts ? 228 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 229 B. How do you define? 1 cwt. 2 pro tern. 3 v. or vs. 4 Smith et al. 5 bona fide 6 P. S. or postscriptum 7 N. B. or nota bene 8 via 9 per M. 10 per diem 11 Anno Domini 12 Chapter or Part VIII 13 quorum 14 ss. or scilicet 15 s.s. 16 incognito 17 vice versa 13 Which of the following are correct ? 1 Four cow's for sale 2 Mens' and childrens' shoes 3 Merchants' & Bankers' Co. 4 The house and it's roof 5 This is to be paid in two weeks' time 6 He has many years experience 7 This happened last New Year's 19 ad valorem 20 alias 21 antedate 22 bear and bull (in speculation) 23 caveat emptor ! 24 cent. 25 contraband 26 f. o. b. 27 mandamus 28 C. O. D. 29 ad. 30 sine die 31 ream 32 vendor 33 stet 34 pro forma invoice 35 quasi 36 ante mortem 37 post mortem 38 facsimile 39 alibi 40 Al 41 verbatim 230 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH APPENDIX i. ABBREVIATIONS OF COMMERCIAL TERMS, ETC. Ai , First-class A. B..., . , Able-bodied, Bachelor of Arts ab init. . .Ab initio (from the beginning) Abp A. C. .. . . Archbishop . .Ante Christum (before Christ) acct., % . .Account, accountant A. D ..Anno Domini (in the year of our Lord) a. d , .After date ad . . Advertisement ad inif. . ad int. . . . .Ad infinitum (to infinity) . .Ad interim (in the meantime) ad lib.... .Ad libitum (at pleasure) Jfc :::: ..Agent . . Alabama A. M .Master of Arts a. m. , .Ante meridiem (before noon) Adm . . Admiral Ad ns. . . . . Administrator Ad-nx. . . . Administratrix amt . Amount ans . Answer Ariz . Arizona Ark . Arkansas Assn .Association Asst. ... . Assistant At . Attorney Aug . August Ave. Avenue av . Avoirdupois ; average B bal ,, . Balance bbl., brl.. . Barrel B.C. ... .Before Christ bds .Bound in boards bgs .Bags b. 1 .Bill of lading bk . bank ; book -bldg. ... . Building - t)ona fide .In good faith b. p . Bills payable ; bill of parcels Bp .Bishop b. rec. . . .Bills receivable Bro .Brother b. s Bill of sale bu., bus.. B. V. M.. .Bushel, bushels .Blessed Virgin Mary C Catholic, Centigrade, Chairman, chancellor, chief, church, Court c Cent, centime, centimeter, centum, century, chapter, circum, circa, circiter (about), court, cubic ca Cases Calif California Can Canada cap Capital letter Cap., Capt.Captain cat Catalogue C. C Circuit Court, County Court, County clerk, County Commis- sioner, Civil Court c. c Contra credit Cath Catholic Cent. ..... Centigrade, Central cent Central, centum, century cf .'' Compare c. f. & i. Chanc. . C. H.... Civ. ... eld ..... cm ..... cml ..... c. o ..... C. O. D. Col. ... Colo. .. Com. .. con ..... Conn. .. Cor. Sec. C. P. . cs C. S. . . . csk. ... ct. ., c. w. o. cwt . .Cost, freight, and insurance . . Centigram ..Charles, Chief, China, Church . . Chancellor . .Court House, Custom House . .Civil, civilian ..Cleared . . Centimeter . .commercial . .Care of . . Collect on delivery . .Colonel, Colossians . . Colorado ..Commander, Commission, Com- modore . . Contra (against) . . Connecticut ..Corresponding Secretary . .Clerk of the Peace, Common Pleas. Court of Probate, Code of Procedure ..Cases (common) . . Civil Service, Court of Sessions ..Cask ..Cent, centum .Cash with order Hundredweight Dak .Dakota D. B Day-book d&wtf... Daily and weekly until forbidden D. C District of Columbia, Deputy Con- sul, District Court d. d Days after date Dec December def., dft... Defendant deg Degree Del Delaware Dep.,Dept.Department, deponent, deputy dft Draft dg Decigram diam Diameter diff Difference disc., disct.Discount D. L. O. .Dead Letter Office dm Decimeter do Ditto, the same dol Dollars doz Dozen - Dr Debtor, doctor dr Dram, drawer Dram. Pers.Dramatis peraonae (persons of the drama) d. s Days' sight d. t Delirium tremens dwt A pennyweight E E East, Earl, Edward, English ea Each Ed Editor ed., edit.. .Edited, edition Edw Edward, Edwin E. E Errors excepted e. g. Exempli gratia (for example) E. Ion. . . .East longitude Eng England, English eng Engineer eod Every other day STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 231 Epis.,Episc.Episcopal eq Equal, equivalent Esq Esquire est Established et al Et alibi (and elsewhere), et alii or aliae (and others) etc Et cetera (and so forth) et seq Et sequentes (and the following) ex Examined, example, exception, executive, export Exc Excellency Exch Exchange Ex. com. . Executive Committee ex cp Extra (without) coupon ex div Extra (without) dividend Exec., Exr.Executor Execx., Exrx.Executrix id. ' Idem (the same) i. e Id est (that is) 111 Illinois imp Imperial, importer, imprimatur (let it be printed) in Inch inc Incorporated incognito .Unknown Ind. T. . .Indian Territory Ins Inspector ; Insurance inst Instant (present), institute, insti- tution int Interest. in trans. . In transitu (in course of transit) inv Invented, inventor, invoice I. O. U. . .1 owe you (promissory note) F Fahrenheit, Fellow, Friday f , . .Farthing, fathom, feminine, florin, franc, folio, foot f. a. a Free of all average Fah., Fahr.Fahrenheit fcp Foolscap Feb February fern Feminine fig Figure, figuratively f . g. a. . . . Free of general average Fin. Sec .Financial Secretary fir.'... .Firkin fo., fol. .Folio f . o. b. . . Free on board f . p. a. . . Free of particular average ft. .... .Foot fur Furlong &.". Gen. g- gr. G. P. gr. gt. Genitive, gram, guinea Georgia Gallon Great Britain General, Genesis Great, gross Gills Government, governor O. ..General Post-office Grain, gram, grammar, gross Drop hab hdkf hf hg hhd H. I hi hm ho h. p H. R ht hund Hydrogen Harbor, height, hence, hour, hun- dred, husband Habitat Handkerchief Half Hectogram Hogshead Hawaiian Islands Hektoliter Hektometer House Horse-power House of Representatives Height Hundred I. Idaho, iodine, island la Iowa ib., ibid. .Ibidem (in the same place) Ida Idaho 1 6 (400) J/a Jan Jn., June.. jour jr., jun....J udge, Justice (JJ., plura') oint account anuary unction ournal unior Kan.,Kans. Kansas kgs Kegs kilo Kilogram, kilometer Ky Kentucky Latitude, league, length, leave, line, liter, long, lake Ib Pound 1. c., 1/c. ..Letter of credit, lower case (type) L. or . . . s. d. Librae, solidi, denarit (pounds, shillings, and pence) lib Book L. I. ...Long Island M Marquis, member, middle, mille (one thousand), Monsieur m Married, masculine, measure, meri- diem (noon), meter, mill, minim, minute Mar March mas., masc.Masculine auras* . m. d. . . Buapwaiaaeiig .Months after date Mile. .Mademoiselle Mme.. . Madame mdse. . Merchandise Me. .. .Maine Messrs VlM.Messieurs (gentlemen ; sirs) mfd. . . Manufactured -mfg. . . Manufacturing mfrs. . Manufacturers mfs. . . . Manufactures mg. . .miligram Mgr. . . Monsignor Minn. . Minnesota Miss. Mo. . . Mississippi .Missouri mo. . .Month Mont. Mr .Montana Mister (Master) Mrs Missis (Mistress) MS., MSS. Manuscript, manuscripts m. s Months after sight 232 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH N Nitrogen, North, northern, Norse n Nail, natus (born), neuter, new, nomen, nominative, noon, note, noun, number N.. B New Brunswick, nota bene (note well) n. d No date N. Dak. . .North Dakota Neb., Nebr.Nebraska nem. con. No one contradicting Nev Nevada N. F Newfoundland N. G National Guard n. g No good N. H New Hampshire N. J New Jersey N. Mex. . .New Mexico No North, numero (number) n. o. p. . . .Not otherwise provided for nol. pros. . Unwilling to prosecute non seq. . .It does not follow Nov November N. S Nova Scotia, New Style n. s Not specified N. Y New York O Ohio, oxygen Oct October O. K All correct Ont Ontario o. p Opposite prompt, out of print Or., Ore... Oregon O. S Old Style, Old Series oz Ounce Pa. Per per diem P.E. I.. per cent. Phila P. I Pk g*!::: P. M. G. p. m pm p. n P.O P. O. D. P.Q ;,":: pro tern. .Page, part, participle, penny, population, pipe . Pennsylvania ..Paid . Panama .By, by the , . By the day . Prince Edward Island , .By the hundred ..Philadelphia , . Philippine Islands ..Peck . . Package ..Place, plate, plural ..Plaintiff . . Past Master, paymaster, post- master . Postmaster-General , . Post meridiem (afternoon) . . Premium . . Promissory note . . Post-office, Province of Ontario . Pay on delivery, Post-office Dept. .To take leave .Previous question, Province of Quebec .Pair, per, price, pronoun . President . Pro tempore (fof-the time being) . Proximo (next) . Postscript p. t Post-town pwt Pennyweight q Quasi, query, question, quintal qr., qa. . . Quarter, quire q. s Sufficient quantity qt Quart, quantity Que Quebec quorum. . .The numbers of members required to conduct a meeting q. v Which see, as much as you will R Railway, response, retired r Resides, right, rod, rood, rupee R. C Roman Catholic rcpt., -R-. .Receipt re In regard to reed Received Rec. Sec. . Recording Secretary rev Revise, revised, revision Rev Reverend r. h Right hand R. I Rhode Island rm Ream rpt Report R. R Railroad R. S. Recording Secretary, Revised Sta- tutes r. s., rs.. . .Right side, rupees R. W., Ry. Railway S S.A. . S. C. . . S. C. . . s. c.,sm sc., scil. sch. .. scr. . . . s. d.... S. Dak. Sen.... -Sept. . V"" sld. s. o. sol. SS ..... ss ..... - s. s. St. ... st ..... s. t. Ste. .. ster. . . . sup. . . . Supt. . . S. V. . . . .Sabbath, saint, Saxon, society, south, sun ...South America, S. Africa, S. Australia ...Second, section, see, series, set, shilling, snow, son, soprano ...Supreme Court ...South Carolina . c. Small capitals . . .Scilicet (namely), scene ...Schooner . . .Scruple . . .Sine die (without day) . . .South Dakota . . .Senate, senator, senior . . . September . . .Specific gravity ...Shilling ...Sailed ...Sellers' option ...Solution ...Square . . .Senior ...Saints . . .Scilicet (to wit) ...Steamship . . .Saint, street, strait . . . Stanza, stet, stone, strophe ...Short ton . . . Saint (feminine) . . .Sterling ...Superfine, superior, supplement, supreme . . . Superintendent . . . Sons of Veterans p's. pt Part, payment, pint T Territory, Testament t Tenor, thunder, tome, ton, town, tui STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 233 tc Tierce Term Tennessee Tex Texas tf Till forbidden t. i. d. ... Ter in die (three times a day) tr Translation, transpose Treas. . . .Treasurer, Treasury U. K United Kingdom ult Ultimo (last) W Wash. W. I... Wis. . . wf whf. . Wt.... W. Va. Wyo... W .West, warden . Washington .West Indies . Wisconsin .Wrong fount (in , Wharf .Weight .West Virginia . Wyoming printing) V Venerable, vice, Victoria, violin, xcp viscount, volunteers XX v Verb, verse, versus (against), vide (see), village, volume Va Virginia Val Value via By way of V ^V v. d Various dates vice versa. The reverse vid See Vt Vermont viz Videlicet (to wit, namely) -Vol Volume z. .. - vs Versus, against Zool. .Without exception .Double extra yr. . Yuc. .Yard, year .Yards .Year, younger, your . Yucatan Z .Zero, zone .Zoology SIGNS AND FIGURES $ Dollar Pound sterling / Shilling; as 2/6, 2 shillings and 6 pence % Per cent. @ (i) At, as, 9 Ibs. @ $ i.oo ; (a) To, as 4 gals. $2.45 deleterious impervious supercilious WORDS ENDING IN " CIOUS " avaricious malicious suspicious capricious pernicious tenaciotis conscious precocious vicious judicious sagacious WORDS ENDING IN " TIOUS " captious fictitious propitious conscientious infectious sententious contentious nutritious superstitious expeditious ostentatious vexatious STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 239 Glossary of Words and Phrases used in Business, with Illustrations Al. A term applied to the best quality. above par. When the price of stocks is higher than their face value they are above par. abstract of title. A record of one's title to an estate. - accept a bill. To accept a bill is to write one's name across the face of it, thereby engaging to pay it when due. acceptor. The drawee of a bill of exchange upon writing his name across the face of it thereby engaging to pay it when due is called the acceptor. accommodation. The lending of one's name or credit to accommodate. account. A statement showing the amount due by one person to another. account current. A statement, drawn out in Dr. and Cr. form, containing an account of the transactions between two parties. -account sales. An account sent by a merchant to the consignor of goods, showing the weight of the goods sold, the prices obtained, and the net result after deducting ' the freight, commission, etc. - act of God. Losses incurred by earthquake, hurricanes, or other unforeseen natural causes are called " Acts of God " and are not covered in insurance policies. ad infmitum. Without limit. ad interim. In the meanwhile. adjustment. An insurance term for the settlement of a loss. ad libitum. At pleasure. ad valorem. According to the value and not to the weight or quantity. The customs ad valorem duty is, therefore, a charge of so much per cent, made on the value of certain articles irrespective of weight or quantity. advance. It is usual on receiving an invoice and bill of lading for a consignment sent for sale to pay the consignor a certain portion of the value of the goods, this payment being called an " advance." advice note. A letter giving its receiver information either that some particular trans- action has been or is about to be effected on his behalf. It is usual to advise the arrival of shipments, the despatch of goods, the payment of accounts. affidavit. A declaration sworn to before a public officer. after date. A term used in drawing bills of exchange ; after date of the bill. ._ after sight. After having been presented to the drawee for acceptance. alias. Means " otherwise " in Latin ; an assumed name. alibi. A person in court proves an alibi when he shows that he was " elsewhere " at the time and place stated in the complaint. alien. An unnaturalized foreigner. ampere. Unit of current in measuring electricity. anno Domini. In the year of our Lord. antedate. To write the date previous to the present date. ante mortem. Before death. appraise. To set a price upon. arbitrage. A name given to stocks bought in one market and sold in another. appreciate. To increase in value. arrears. Amounts remaining unpaid after the time for payment has expired. as per invoice. A phrase on a bill of exchange. It means that notice has been given to the drawee that the bill has been drawn upon him. assets. Property in general regarded as applicable to the paying of debts. assignment. The document by means of which a transfer is made. assigns. Any person or persons to whom an assignment is made. at sight. A term used upon bills of exchange when they are payable on demand. attachment. Laying an embargo upon, and prohibiting the sale and disposal of, the money or goods of a debtor in the hands of third parties, pending the settlement of some claim against the owner. - audit. Examination of all books, accounts, etc., by an auditor to see that they are properly kept and that no fraud has been committed by the party keeping them. auditor. One who audits books or accounts. bail. The person who gives surety for the appearance of another in a court to answer a charge made against him in order that he may be set free in the meantime ; the security given. balance. In bookkeeping and accounts the balance is the difference required to make equal the debtor and creditor sides of an account. balance of trade. The difference in the money value between the exports and imports. -balance-sheet. A statement showing the assets and liabilities of any trading concern and the profits or losses on each account. balancing books. The periodical closing-up and adjusting of all accounts in the ledger to ascertain the profits or losses. banknotes. Promissory notes on a bank payable to bearer on demand. bankrupt. A debtor who, having been unable to pay his creditors in full, has been adjudged a bankrupt by the court, and has given up his estate, to be realized, so far as possible, for the payment of his debts. bear. A speculator who sells for delivery on a certain date stocks, shares, or other securities which he does not possess in the expectation of being able to buy them at a lower price before the delivery date arrives and to make a profit on the transaction. A " bear," therefore, is one who sells for a fall in price ; and a " bull " one who buys for a rise in price. below par. Stocks, etc., are said to be below par when the price asked for them is lower than their face value. berth. A sleeping-place on board ship or car. 240 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH bill. A bill of exchange is a note addressed by one person (the creditor) to another (the debtor) asking him to pay a certain sum of money, either on demand or at a specified time, to the order of himself or to the person named therein. (See DRAFT.) bill of parcels. List of articles purchased. ---bill of sale. An instrument by which the transfer of title of personal property is declared and established ; an instrument in the nature of a mortgage for the transfer of personal property as security for a debt. bills payable. Notes issued and drafts accepted by a firm which are to be paid. -bills receivable. Notes and acceptances received by a firm for which payment is to be received. black list. A term given to printed lists of bankrupts, suspensions, bills of sale, and similar matters issued for the private guidance of the trading community. Employers cir- culate black lists of undesirable workmen to prevent their obtaining employment ; trades unions circulate black lists of employers who hire non-union labor or for other unfair methods. A list of goods union men must not buy. board of trade. An association of business men to promote common interests. bona fide. In good faith. brokerage. A charge of so much per cent., or so much per share, made by brokers for transacting business for then- principals ; also called commission. bucket-shop. Term given to outside stock-brokers and others who do not belong to the Stock Exchange, many of whom trap the unwary and defraud them of their capital by means of circulars or advertisements purporting to show how $5 or $10 can be made to produce $100 or more within a few days. bull. A person who tries to raise the selling price of stocks bought at a lower figure. bullion. Gold or silver in bars, dust, or groups (the term " groups " means old coins, medals, or small pieces). The word bullion is also frequently used to denote coined gold and silver when considered in the mass and value by weight. by-law. A private law or order made by a society, corporation, or company in contradistinction to the law of the land. bond. A deed by which a person or com- pany is bound to pay a sum of money at a fixed time or under certain conditions. Railways and other public companies issue bonds in return for money lent them. bonded goods. Imported goods liable to duty, which are deposited in a Government or bonded warehouse until the duty upon them has been paid. Such goods are said to be " in bond," a bond having been signed on behalf of the owners that the duty will be paid when the goods are received for consumption. bonus. An extra dividend given to share- holders when the profits made are far above the usual average. Also a periodical addition made to life insurance policies out of the general profits of the company. book debts. Unpaid accounts standing in the books. They are usually classed as good, doubtful, or bad according to expectation of payment. bounty. A premium given to manufactur- ers, planters, exporters, etc., by the govern- ment for the encouragement of some particular industry. Bourse. A European term for Stock Exchange or money market. Bradstreet's. The name of a New York house that records the standing of commercial people, of trade conditions, and publishes literature relating thereto. broker. An agent between the buyer and the seller. call. A Stock Exchange term meaning that by paying down so much per cent, the option is given of buying stock at a fixed price on a certain day. call money. Money lent by bankers and others at an agreed rate of interest for repayment at a moment's notice. capital. The money invested in the business; that is, the amount of money used to commence and carry on the concern. -card-system. A method of keeping ac- counts and records, arranged generally according to some alphabetical device. carat The twenty-fourth part of the weight of any pieces of pure gold, pure gold being divided into an imaginary standard of twenty-four carats. So many " carats fine " means that so many parts out of the twenty-four are pure gold. Thus, 5, g, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, and 24 carat gold. cash. Ready money, bills, drafts, bonds, and all readily negotiable paper ; but more commonly the term is limited to coin or banknotes. cash bonus. In life insurance a share of the profits paid the insured in cash instead of applied to the reduction of premium, -caveat emptor 1 Let the buyer beware ! cent. An abbreviation of centum ; a hun- dred. Used to denote a certain rate or ratio, being so much per hundred. Thus, five per cent, implies the proportion of five to every 100. cental. One hundred pounds. 'Certified Check. If requested a bank signs and dates the check drawn on it, thus certifying its genuineness. - Chamber of Commerce. An association of commercial men for the purpose of protecting trade interests. 'Change. An abbreviation of Exchange. chattel mortgage. A written contract by which personal property is pledged to secure payment of a debt. cheap money. Money is said to be " cheap " when the floating supply of gold is plentiful and loans on marketable securities are easily obtainable at a low rate of interest. check. A written order on a banker for the payment of money on demand. circulating medium. The recognized means of making payments ; that is, bank notes, checks, bills of exchange, promissory notes, gold, silver, etc. cipher. A secret kind of writing. Govern- ment telegrams, the despatches of companies and large commercial houses are often written in cipher to insure secrecy. clearance. |A Custom House term in use in the mercantile marine, signifying a permit from the Custom House for a ship to unload her cargo or to depart from the port. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 241 RAILROAD BILL OF LADING NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMPANY FREIGHT LINE K7- All articles entered on tbis Bill of Lading shall be subjec '> and governed by the Classifica tion as published by Railroads and to the rates properly belong ing to such classification ; and th rates as written in below, shal only apply to such Goods as an included in the class opposite o: against which the rates are sc written in. MARKS. T. A. STONE, Albany, N. Subject to the Merchants York, N. Bank Y. order of of New Charges advanced, $ BILL OF LADING FROM New York, N. Y., to / Ibany Depot If ist Class, 15 cts. per 100 Ibs. If ad Class, 13 cts. per 100 Ibs. If 3d Class, 10 cts. per 100 Ibs. If 4th Class, 8 cts. per 100 Ibs. If Special cts. per 100 Ibs. Any consignment weighing less than 100 Ibs. will be estimated and charged at 100 Ibs. DEPOT : Corner Court and Saint Paul Streets. NEW YORK, N.Y., Jan. 6, 19.. Received from A. Carey & Co., in apparent good order [except as noted] the following PACKAGES [contents unknown], marked as in the margin, viz: 110 bbls. Salt. (UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS.) It being expressly understood and agreed that in consideration of issuing this through Bill of Lading, and guaranteeing a through rate, the National Transportation Company reserves the right to forward said goods by any Railroad line between point of ship- ment and destination. The National Transportation Company, or carriers over whose line they are transported, shall only be responsible as warehousemen, not as common carriers, while the goods are at any of their stations awaiting delivery to the consignees. They will not be liable for any injury to any articles of freight during the course of transportation, occasioned by the weather, accidental delays, or natural tendency to decay, nor from any loss arising from leakage, improper packing, insufficient cooperagp or strapping ; nor for any loss or damage on any article or property whatever, by fire, or other casualty, while in transit or while in depots or places of transhipment, or at depots or landings at point of delivery ; nor for loss or damage by fire, collision, or the dangers of navigation while on seas, rivers, lakes, or canals. No responsi- bility will be assumed for damage resulting from chafing of goods packed in bales. All necessary cooperage and bailing to be at owners' risk. No guaranty of special time for delivery of the goods is given Carriages and Sleighs, Eggs, Furniture, Looking Glasses, Glass and Crockery, Ware, Acids, Machinery, Stoves and Castings, Wrought Marble, Musical Instruments, Liquor put up in glass or earthen- ware, and all other frail and brittle articles, Fruit and all other perishable goods will only be taken at the owners' risk of fracture or injury during the course of transportation, loading and un- oading, unless specially agreed in writing to the contrary. Gun- powder, Friction Matches, and like combustibles and explosives, will not be received except by special agreement, and all persons srocuring the reception of such freight without the knowledge of ;he carrier will be held responsible for any damage which may arise from it. In the event of the loss of any property for which esponsibility attaches under this Bill of Lading to the carrier, the /alue or cost of the same, at the time and point of shipment is to govern the settlement for the same, except the value of the articles las been agreed upon with the shipper, or is determined by the classification upon which the rates are based, and said carrier shall lave the benefit of any insurance effected by or on account of the owner of such goods. It is further stipulated and agreed that, in :ase of any loss, detriment or damage done to or sustained by any 5f the property herein receipted for, during such transportation, whereby any legal liability or responsibility shall or may be incurred, hat Company alone shall be held answerable therefor in whose tctual custody the same may be at the time of the happening hereof. No claim will be allowed for deficiency or damage on jackages if receipted for in " good order " at the point to which hey are contracted by this bill. No claim will be allowed that arises from insufficient packing or incorrect or inadequate marking. The acceptance of this Bill of Lading or receipt for goods, made ubject to the conditions of this Bill of Lading, makes this an tgreement between the National Transportation Company and arriers engaged in transporting said goods and all parties inter- sted in the property. In witness whereof, the agent affirms to Bills of Lading, all of this tenor and date, one of which being ccomplished the other to stand void. T. BANNING, Agent. NOTE Another approved form is that of the Interstate Commerce Commission unfortunately too large for this book. 242 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Check No. NEW YORK, PAY TO THE ORDER OF NORTHERN NATIONAL BANK $ 19 DOLLARS Draft No. PAY TO THE ORDER OF NEW YORK, 19 VALUE RECEIVED AND CHARGE TO THE ACCOUNT OF To 1 DOLLARS STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 243 clients. Persons who employ lawyers. In commerce the customers of a concern. - closing prices. In newspaper reports the closing prices of stock and shares refer to transactions which have taken place between hours of three and four, after the official " marking " is closed. -collateral security. Any secondary or indirect security; generally applied to the deposit of documents conveying a right to property, so that they may be available in the event of default in the repayment of a loan, or the failure of some other obligation. A bill of sale, for instance, is a collateral security, as it is given as a guaranty for the repayment of a loan ; also document bills, delivery orders, title deeds, mortgages, bonds, etc., when they are deposited to insure the performance of an obligation. common law. Long established customs accepted as the law of the land. common stock. This usually forms part of the ordinary stock, and is entitled to a dividend after the preferred stock. confirmation note. A slip attached to or sent with an order or contract, so that the receiver may sign it as an acknowledgment that he has received and confirms it. C. 0. D. Goods to be paid for when delivered. consign. To forward goods from one person or place to another. consignee. The party to whom goods are sent or consigned. consignment. Goods sent to a person for sale. The term is also used by railway companies when asking for instructions as to the disposal of goods lying at their stations. consolidated. A term applied to various funds bearing the same or different rates of interest, which have been consolidated into one common debt. consul A public officer appointed by a government to reside in a foreign country in order to facilitate and protect the commercial interests between his own country and that to which he has been sent. contraband. Articles forbidden to be exported or imported. contract. A bargain ; to make an agreement. convertible securities. Term given to those documents which can be readily converted into money. copyright. The sole legal right to print or publish anything that belongs to the author or his assigns. corner. To obtain sufficient control of an article of commerce or shares of stock so as to be able to fix the selling price at will. coupon. An interest-bearing slip attached to a bond to be cut off and given up when paid. credentials. Document of reference showing the standing or the authority of a person. -credit in banking. An entry in a banker's books showing that a customer has made a deposit with the bank. credit in bookkeeping. An entry showing that a person named has a right to demand something, but not necessarily money. credit in commerce. A bargain agreed upon between two parties, one of whom, the seller, hands over certain goods to the other, the buyer, conditionally upon receiving his pro- mise to pay within a certain definite time. The seller becomes the creditor, and the buyer the debtor until the money is paid ; if the amount is not paid then due the former has a right of action against the latter, which he can at once put in force. creditor. A person to whom another is in debt. - credit note.' A document similar in form to an invoice, but usually printed in red, sent ' to a person stating that his account is credited with the amount named. Curb. An irregular Stock Exchange market held in the street. - currency. A term applied to the lawful coins and other recognized means of making payments that pass current or circulate. 'current account. In banking a current account is where a person puts money in a bank to be withdrawn or added to. ^_day books. Those in which the business transactions of the day are entered. day to day loans. Sums of money bor- rowed at a fixed rate of interest for a single day. They may be renewed from day to day if borrower and lender agree. days of grace. Days (usually three) allowed for payment of a note or bill of exchange after it falls due. ^ays' sight. Days after the sight of a bill, i.e., after it has been presented for acceptance. dear money. Money is said to be " dear " when the floating supply of gold is scarce and advances cannot be obtained even on good securities except at a high rate of interest owing to a pressure in the money market or a high bank rate. debit note. When a firm returns goods owing to some imperfection, or corrects an overcharge, it is usual to send a debit note. decimal system. Decimal system is a sys- tem by which weights, measures, money, etc., are calculated by decimal division. deed. A legal transaction or the written document under hand and seal as evidence of such transaction. deed ol assignment. A deed by which an insolvent debtor gives up his property for the benefit of creditors. de facto. Actual ; in fact ; in reality. defendant. A party against whom an action is brought. demand draft. A bill of exchange payable on demand, i. e., payable as soon as presented. demurrage. The holding of a vessel or car by a shipper longer than the time allowed for loading or unloading. depreciation. A stock-taking term used in bookkeeping when an allowance is made for the wear and tear of such assets as machinery, tools, fixtures, furniture, utensils, and other requisites necessary to carry on business. discount An allowance made on a bill or any other debt not yet become due in consideration of present payment. Trade or series discounts may not be added and taken as one discount, as each must be computed on a different base. The first discount (15 %) is computed on and deducted from the face of the bill. The second do %) 244 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH Invoice To insure prompt attention, all communications should be addressed to the House. Any claim for allowance on Paper must be presented before printing ; on general Mdse. within ten days from receipt of goods. New York, Oct -... 1 . /?-- Henry Leggat Bought of THE THOMAS PAPER CO., Paper Manufacturers & Dealers in JXCill Supplies 391 FEDERAL STREET Case No. No. Bdls. Reams. Size and Weight. Quality. Ibs. Price. Receipt New York May 22, j Received of ?. h .9 m . as ... Pa .P er ... Co -. Fifty reams white paper No. 6 No. 10 Harold Temple STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 245 MONTHLY STATEMENT New York, TO ISAAC PITMAN & SONS, Dr. SHORTHAND AND EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHERS 2-6 West 45th St. Terms : Net Cash With Exchange on New York To Balance as per a / c rend Mdse. Our custom is to render Statements the first of each month, whether accounts be due or not. The object is to prevent errors which might otherwise occur, and it should not be considered as an untimely demand for settlement. 246 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH is computed on and deducted from the first remainder ; the third (5 % ) on the second remainder. Continue in this succession if there be more than three discounts in the series. The last remainder of a series is the proceeds of the bill. Illustration : Bill $100- 15 $85 - $8.50 := $76.50- $3.83 a $72.67, net cost of bill. discount a bill. To obtain money for a bill before it is due, interest being charged for the accommodation. dishonor. When the drawee refuses to accept a bill or an acceptor fails to pay it when due the bill is said to be dishonored. dock. The water space between two piers or wharfs. double entry. That mode of bookkeeping in which two entries are made of every transaction in order that the one entry may check the other. draft An order by which money is drawn from a bank ; a bill of exchange. drawee. The person upon whom a bill is drawn. drawer. The person who draws a bill upon another. dry dock. Used for the repair of ships which are admitted at high water and left dry after the water has been removed. duties. Taxes on merchandise, manu- factures, raw material, etc., passing through the custom house, levied by the Government as a revenue for the country. endorse. To sign one's name on the back of a bill of exchange, promissory note, check, warrant, delivery order, etc. endorsee. The party to whom a bill, delivery order, warrant, etc., is transferred by endorsement, thus enabling him to deal with the document as if it were made to his order when first issued. - endorse a bill. To endorse a bill is to write one's name across the back, thereby engaging to pay it when due should it be dishonored by the drawee. endorsement. Anything written upon the back of documents ; or, in its general sense, writing one's name upon the back of bills of exchange, warrants, etc., so that they may be paid to or collected by other parties. endorser. A person who endorses a bill of lading, bill of exchange, promissory note, check, warrant, delivery order, etc. endowment. A fixed sum of money payable at the end of a certain number of years in the event of a person's surviving the given time. executor. A person appointed by a testator to see that his will is carried into effect. Feminine form, Executrix. exportation. The act of sending goods out of one country into another. exporters. Those who send goods to foreign markets. ]face value. The value printed on the face of bonds, shares, certificates, etc. facsimile. An exact copy. failure. The suspension of payments by those unable to meet the demands made upon them. file. A contrivance on which papers are arranged, financier. One who supplies capital for a commercial undertaking ; one who manages the finances of a concern. first-class paper. A phrase given to bills, drafts, promissory notes, etc., which bear the names of well-known houses of financiers as acceptors or endorsers. first hand. A term applied to goods obtained direct from the maker, importer, or wholesale dealer. floating capital. The available sum actu- ally at command for carrying on business, including money not permanently invested, but temporarily employed in marketable securities. floating policy. A policy for a certain amount, insuring goods which are not all in one place, but are spread over a certain area, so that they are insured, either wholly or in part, according to their aggregate value. f. o. b. See FREE ON BOARD. foreclose. To take actual possession of the thing mortgaged with a view of securing repayment of the loan. foreign. In railroad language a term designating a railroad operated by another company though in the same country. < foreign billsiof.exchange. Bills of exchange drawn in one country and payable in another. forgery. The fraudulent making or altera- tion of a document to the disadvantage of another person. forwarding agents. Persons who collect, forward, and deliver goods. franc. The French standard unit of money $.193. free on board. When goods are sold " f. o. b." it means that the seller puts them on board a car or ship free of expense to the buyer. free trade. Trade with other countries unrestricted by tariff or customs. gilt-edged securities. Securities of the highest class. gold bonds. Bonds payable in gold coin, or at a fixed rate of exchange. good-wilL The right to take up an estab- lished trade or business, with the advantages accruing to it, under an agreement from the outgoing owner. guaranty. A conditional or secondary responsibility taken by a person on another's account, whereby he engages to fulfil certain engagements, such as the payment of money in case the party liable fails to do so. guinea. A gold coin formerly current in England. Term now used to designate a sum of twenty-one shillings ; about $5. hand. Term used in measuring the height of horses four inches. hogshead. A term formerly employed to denote a measure of capacity, but now a cask or barrel of 63 gallons. horse-power. The standard for estimating the power of an engine ; the force required to raise 33,000 pounds one foot per minute. Understood though not spoken or written. importers. Those who import goods. imports. A term for goods brought into the country from some other nation or place. indemnity. The making-good of loss sustained. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 247 Mr. J. Bell:- Dollars). injunction. An order from a court having the object of preventing an act from being done. insolvent. The state of being unable to pay the whole of one's debts. linternal revenue. Taxes imposed by the IT. S. Government on domestic articles. in transit.- Passing from one place to another. - intrinsic value. The real, not the apparent, value. The intrinsic value of a watch is the worth of the gold in it. inventory. A list of goods, fixtures, etc. investment. Money put out at interest in some fund or company, or in the purchase of houses, land, or other property. invoice. An account specifying particulars as to the quantity, quality, and price of goods sold to another, the contents of each package, and the charges upon them, etc. \n invoice is usually sent by a manufacturer to the mer- chant at the time the goods leave the factory, and a copy of it is sent by the merchant to his customer as soon as the goods are shipped. L 0. U. A memorandum acknowledging a debt consisting of these three letters, the amount of the debt, the date, and the signature of the debtor. Thus New York, March i, 1906. I. O. U. $100 (One Hundred FRANK SMITH. - joint account. Two or more firms in the sam? line of business sometimes trade upon joint account with ^ome particular article in which they deal.J' journal. The book containing an account of each day's transactions, now used only for the entry of such transactions as cannot be entered in the Purchases, Sales, or Cash Books. junior partner. Either the youngest member of a firm or the last to enter. knot. Nautical mile of 2,208 yards, or one-sixtieth of a degree. lease. A document relating to the letting of offices, houses, buildings, land, or goods. ledger. The principal book of accounts among merchants in which the entries from all other books are summarized. legacy. Property left to one by will. legal tender. The various kinds of money gold, silver, and paper with which a debt can be lawfully paid. liabilities. A term used in commerce to denote the whole amount of the debts that a person owes, and also any others that are likely to_arise from ^business rerponsibilities. lien. ~A legal claim on property ; a security for a debt or charge. lieu. In place of. limited. When appearing at the end of a firm's name it means that the firm consists of general and special partners, the general partners managing the business and the special partner contributing capital. The special partner's liability for the debts of the firm is limited to the amount of his capital in the firm. liquidation. A course of settlement or closing-up of business transactions of a concern. 17 (400) long. A term equivalent to the market expression " bull." Instead of calling a person who holds stock for a rise a " bull " he is said to be " long of stock." longshoremen. Men employed about piers to load and unload vessels. mandamus. A court order compelling a person to act. margin. A deposit of money or securities given a broker by his client in order to insure him against loss in speculative transactions on his account. mark. German standard unit of money about $.24. maturity. The date upon which bills of exchange, promissory notes, etc., fall due and are payable. mercantile agency. A concern that dis covers and sells business information to subscribers. metric system. A system of weights and measures, the original factors of which are derived from the meter. The meter is the unit in measure of length ; the are in measure of surface ; the liter in measure of capacity ; and the gram the unit of weights. A meter in the United States is 39.37 inches. mileage. The name given to fees paid for travel or for the conveyance of goods by the mile. -minute-book. The book containing the minutes or notes of a meeting. monopolize. To obtain control of a commodity so as to be the sole seller of it. mutual life insurance company. A com- pany in which there are no shareholders, the profits belonging to the insured and divided among them, either by cash payments, reductions of premiums, or by periodical additions to the amounts of the policies. nationaldebt. The entire debt of the United States, consisting of money which the Government has borrowed from private individuals. negotiable documents. Instruments which, when transferred from one person to another, convey to the possessor a legal right to property. net. The amount of any charge or cost after all deductions. The actual weight of goods themselves without reckoning the package in which they are enclosed, and after allowing for waste, turn of the scale, etc. notary public. An authorized person who attests certain documents and writings to prove their validity. note of hand. A document promising payment of a sum of money named at a particular date. octavo. A book or sheet of a book having eight leaves to the sheet. Contracted form, 8vo. official receiver. A person appointed by a court to manage and distribute an insolvent's estate. qhm. A standard unit of electrical resistance. on demand. A term used on bills of exchange when payable on presentation. open account. An account not subject to settlement at a fixed date. 248 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH outlaw. Refer to a debt or note which has become overdue in payment and cannot _be enforced by law. outsiders. The puulic or those who depend for their judgment of the value of stocks upon the general situation. overdraw. To receive from the bank more money than a person is entitled to. par. Face value. Stocks at a hundred per cent. partnership agreement. Brooklyn, N.Y., Jan. i, 1910. We, Henry Smith & William Chase, have this day formed a partnership to conduct a retail hardware business in the City of New York for a period of five years under the firm name of Smith & Chase. Our capital stock is Ten Thousand Dollars, of which each has paid in Five Thousand Dollars. We have agreed equally to share all profits and losses. HENRY SMITH. WILLIAM CHASE. - party. Singular noun. In law either singular or plural. par value. The face value of securities. payer profits. A balance on brokers' books in favor of a speculator. passport. An official permission to enter or leave a country. payee. The person or firm to whom payment is directed to be made. ever. One who pays. penny. English money ; equal to two cents in United States money. per annum. By the year. per cent. By the hundred. per contoa. A term used in bookkeeping meaning on the other side. per diem. By the day. per se. Considered by itself. perishable goods. Such property, which, if not delivered quickly, would become spoiled. personal property. Property not real estate. personalty. Movable property; not real estate. plaintiff. A complainant in a court of law. One who institutes a law-suit against another. postdate. To date a document after the real day. post meridian. Written p. m. ; afternoon. post mortem. After death. poste restante. A French phrase written on letters and parcels sent through the mail when they are to remain at the post-office until called for. pound sterling. English money; equal to $4.S6J in United States money. power of attorney. A document empower- ing one person to act for another. prima facie. At the first appearance ; apparently. preferred stock. Shares having preference over common shares in payment of dividends. prepaid. Paid before due or in advance. "-price-list. A list or pamphlet issued by merchants to their customers showing the various articles dealt in. principal. The head of a business house, or of a department ; money at interest ; capital. principle. A rule of conduct or method of procedure. probate. To prove a will. pro forma. A matter of form. promissory] note. A written promise to pay . pro rata. A division by proportion. proviso. A provision or condition in a deed or other document. proximo. The coming month. proxy. Authority to act for another. quasi. Appearing as if ; not xully genuine ; not quite, used as a prefix and joined to the fol- lowing word by a hyphen ; as, quasi-con tract ; a quasi-official ; a quasi-understanding. quid pro quo. One thing for another; a mutual consideration in business, such as giving a buyer some advantage in con- sideration of his making a concession. quintal. Equal to 220.46 pounds. quorum. The legal number of a committee or board of directors to hold a meeting and transact business. quotation. The price and terms upon which a person is willing to enter an order. It is usual for merchants and others before placing an order to send out inquiries for articles they wish to buy, and the prices they receive are termed quotations. -, raw materials. Metals, ores, products, etc., in their natural state before manufacture. -real estate. Land including whatever is made part of or attached to it by nature or man, as trees, water, minerals, houses and other permanent structures an estate or interest in land at least for life. ream.' A ream of writing-paper consists of 20 quires, of 24 sheets each ; or 480 sheets in all. A short ream has 480 sheets, a long ream 500 or more ; a printer's ream contains 2i quires (516 sheets), the surplus to make up for waste. rebate. Term used by bankers and others for an allowance made by them to parties taking up bills of exchange before they are due ; also for any return of discounts made by bill-brokers and bankers when discounted bills are taken back again, previous to their arriving at maturity, by the parties who placed them under discount. Used in railroad business to favor a few shippers at the expense of others by giving special rebate in matters of shipping. referee. To whom some matter in dispute is referred for decision. remittance. A sum of money sent from one person to another, whether by check, draft, postage stamps, or postal orders, etc. When bills are drawn upon others and en- dorsed over to a merchant himself they are called drafts. replevin. An action taken to recover goods improperly obtained. retainer. A fee paid to a lawyer to defend a case. ring. A combination of capitalists, formed for the purpose of manipulating certain produce (or securities) to increase the selling value. rolling stock. Engines, carriages, wagons, trucks, etc., of a carrying company. royalty. Money paid for working a mine to the owners of the land for the privilege ol working the ore, coal, etc. : a payment made to a patentee for the use of his patent. Mone> paid by a publisher to an author for the privilege of publishing and selling his book, generally ten per cent, of selling price of the book. STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 249 NEW YORK, 19 AFTER DATE PROMISE TO PAY TO THE ORDER OF JOG DOLLARS AT VALUE RECEIVED. DUE MEMORANDUM OF CREDIT KEEP THIS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE Philadelphia, Pa., .._ 29 Received of M HENDERSON & BROMLEY 250 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH salvage. Money paid to g those who assist in saving a ship or goods from the dangers of the sea ; any property saved from destruction.* { ' scilicet. To wit ; namely ; in legal papers abbreviated to ss. shares. The proportion of interest in any undertaking or company. Shareholders have certificates granted them showing the number of shares they hold and entitling them to participate in the profits. shilling. English money $.24. ship's clearance. Upon the arrival of a vessel in port the captain, before the hatches are opened or the bulk broken, makes known his arrival by lodging at the Custom House a report of his ship, her cargo and crew, upon the prescribed form, when, on payment of the tonnage dues, etc., permission is given him to unload. An outward-bound vessel also, having loaded her cargo, must obtain permission before sailing. ship's manifest. A statement made out by the captain containing a description of the ship, cargo, crew, and the ports of destination. sic. So ; thus ; a word inserted in brackets after an erroneous or astonishing quoted statement to indicate that the quotation is a literal transcript. silent partners. Those who invest their money in business but do not take any active part in the work or appear by name as mem- bers of the firm. They are liable in their whole property for the debts of the firm. sine die. Refers to adjournment without fixing the day of the next meeting. sine qua non. " Without which, no." Meaning that unless a certain condition be complied with no agreement can be reached. sinking-fund. A part of the profits set aside by companies for extinguishing a debt. solvency. The state of being able to pay all debts. solvent. A person is solvent when able to pay all debts. sovereign. A British gold coin equal to one pound sterling $4.86$. 88. Abbreviation of scilicit : to wit ; namely. 8.8. Abbreviation for steamship. statement of account. Account periodically rendered, showing the amounts due by one person or firm to another. Generally a state- ment contains only the dates and amounts of each invoice sent in since the last settlement. Statistics. Collections of facts and figures relating to the state of trade or the conditions of a people or a class. statute'of limitations. A law which fixes the periods during which a debt can be recovered, or a person punished for a crime. steerage. An apartment in the forepart of a ship for the use of third-class passengers. sterling. The denomination given to English money pounds, shillings, and pence. stet. When an entry or a figure has been crossed out by mistake the term " stet " indicates that it should remain as it stood originally. A line of dots is written under the words crossed out, meaning that no attention should be paid to the crossing-out. stevedores. Experienced men who super- intend the stowage of a ship's cargo, which, usually being of a mixed nature, requires care in stowing. stewards. The managers of the provision department on board ship ; those who have charge of estates as representing the owners. Stock Exchange. A private institution devoted exclusively to dealings in stocks and shares. street. Means Wall Street, the center of financial transactions. suspense account. An account used by merchants, bankers, and others, wherein sundry items are kept, which, owing to death, oversight, postal irregularities, or want of detail or information at the time of posting, cannot be placed to their regular accounts in the books.- suspension of payment. Business men are said to " suspend payment " when they cease paying debts on becoming aware that they are insolvent. tender. A written offer to supply certain articles upon specified terms. ticker. A telegraphic printing machine for recording Exchange quotations, etc. tip.' Private information given to another as likely to yield him a profit if he acts upon it. tun. A large cask of about four hogsheads or 282 gallons. trust. Money or property held by specially appointed persons, called trustees, for the benefit of others, or to be used for certain purposes is said to be held " in trust." The term is also used for large combinations of business concerns which are often called trusts. trust deed. A deed conveying property to a trustee. trustee. A person appointed by will or by- law to realize or manage the property of another. underwriter. iA person who insures ; so called because he underwrites or subscribes his name to each policy he is concerned in, as a guaranty that, in case of loss, he will answer for all the stock of a company which is not subscribed for by the public. unmerchantable. When goods are in any way below the usual standard or not in their natural, sound state. ultimo. The succeeding month. usury. An excessive rate of interest charged to persons borrowing money. unseaworthy. When, owing to her age, want of repair, or incompetency of master and crew, etc., the ship is unsafe. value received. A term used upon bills of exchange when the drawee has received goods or money. vendor. A person on whose behalf a sale is made, or the person who is himself the seller. verbatim. Word for word. voucher. Any document in proof of the payment or receipt of money or of other financial transactions. watering stock. To enlarge the number of shares of a company without a proportionate increase of paid-in capital as, to water, railroad or telegraph stock. -^way-bill. A document issued containing a list of passengers or goods carried by a public company. INDEX [To the student : If you do not find in this Index any topic or word that you may be looking for, consult the Glossary, pp. 239-250.] ABBREVIATIONS, Of commercial terms, etc., 230-234 Of degrees and titles, 233-234 Of signs and figures, 233 Of the Post Office Department, 181 ACCURACY, IMPORTANCE OF, 93, 117 ADDRESSES, Clergy, addresses of, 18-20 Officials, addresses of, 15-17 ADVERTISEMENTS, 56, 57, 85, 91, 102 ANGLO-SAXON, Use of, in letters, 55-57 APPEARANCES AS A FACTOR, 6, 46, 71, 78-82 APPLICATION, LETTERS OF, 68-86 ALPHABETICAL GUIDES, 202-203, 210-211 BILL OF LADING, 241 BODY OF THE LETTER, 22 BREVITY, 2-3, 55, 130 BUSINESS ENGLISH, Definition, ix Regents' examination in business English, 168-169 Value of, ix, 93, 172, 176 CAPITALIZATION, 30-34, 102, 120, 153 CARDS, INDEX, 192-193 CARD-SYSTEM, THE, 193-202, 205- 206, 222-227 CENTERING, 80-81 CHECKS, 122, 240, 242 CHOICE OF WORDS IN LETTERS, 2-3, 55-67 CIRCULAR LETTERS, 150, 153, 155- 156 CLERGY, Titles and salutations for, Catholic, 18-20, Protestant, 20 CODES, TELEGRAPHIC, 183, 185 COINS, FOREIGN, 234-235 COLLECTION OF ACCOUNTS, 144 COMMERCIAL TERMS, ABBREVIA- TIONS OF, 230-234 COMPLAINT, LETTERS OF, 129-137 COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE, THE, 22-23, 106 CONDOLENCE, LETTERS OF, 48 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, RE- QUESTS FOR, 105-106 CONGRATULATIONS, LETTERS OF, 48 CONTRACTIONS, 34-36 CONTRACTS, LETTERS AS, 93-94, 119 CORPORATIONS, TITLES AND SALUTA- TIONS FOR, 14 CORRESPONDENCE, Review of, 164-171 Social and Friendly, 43-49 Value of, demonstrated, 73-77 CREDIT, LETTERS ASKING, 95, 96 DATE-LINE, THE, 6-8 DAYS AND MONTHS, CAPITALIZATION OF, 36 DEBTORS, Four classes of debtors, The, 138- 141 Letters to, 138-149 Outlawry of accounts, 144 Use and abuse of the postal card, 144, 146 DEGREES, ABBREVIATIONS OF, 233- 234 DICTATION, 159-160 DICTIONARIES, 107, 112 DIVISIONS OF WORDS, 55, 108-110 EMPLOYEE, 61 ENCLOSURES, 121, 142 FIGURES AND SIGNS, 39, 233 FILING CABINETS, 198-200 FOLDING, Folding and inserting the letter- sheet, 24 FOLLOW-UP CARD-SYSTEMS, 204-205 FOLLOW-UP LETTERS, 75, 77 FORM, Form for a business letter, 7 Form for official or social letter, 9 Matters of form, 6-42 FORMALITY, Formal and informal writings, 47-49 251 252 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH FORM-LETTERS, 150-153, 155-156 FRIENDLY LETTERS, 43-49 GEOGRAPHICAL FILING, 212-213 GLOSSARY OF WORDS AND PHRASES USED IN BUSINESS, 239-250 GREEK IN BUSINESS, 58, 60 INDEX-GUIDES, 194-197 INQUIRY, LETTERS OF, 100-106, 112- 115 INTRODUCTION, LETTERS OF, 50-52 INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS, 8, 12-20 INVOICE, 244, 247 LADIES, TITLES AND SALUTATIONS FOR, 12-13, 45 LATIN AND GREEK WORDS USED IN BUSINESS, 58, 60 LETTERS, Application, letters of, 68-86 Asking credit, letters, 95 Choice of words in letters, 55-67 Circular letters, 150-153, 155-156 Complaint, letters of, 129-137 Condolence, congratulation, and introduction, letters of, 48-52 Contracts, letters as, 93-94, 1 19 Debtors, letters to, 138-149 Diagram to test any letter, A, 58-159 Follow-up letters, 75, 77 Form letters, 150-153, 155-156 Inquiry, letters of, 100-106, 112- 115 Offering business letters, 87-99 Ordering goods, letters, 117-128 Order of items in, The, 1-2 Perfect letter, A, How to secure, 157-163 Politeness in letters, 100-125, 129- 130, 139 Resignation and recommendation, letters of, 154-155, 156 Review of correspondence, 164-171 Seven parts of a letter, The, 6-23 Social and friendly letters, 43-49 Twenty-five tests for any letter, 157-158 LETTER-SHEET, THE, Folding and inserting, 24 LOOSE-SHEET SYSTEM OF FILING, 218-219 MARGINS, 22, 46, 75 MONEY, How TO TRANSMIT, 122 124 NARROW-COLUMN NOTE-HEAD, 88 NOTE-HEAD, THE, IN SHORT LETTERS, 21 NUMERICAL FILING, 214-215 OFFERING BUSINESS, LETTERS, 87-99 OFFICIALS, Titles and salutations for, 15-17 ORDER, Items, order of, in a letter, 1-2 ORDERING GOODS, LETTERS, 117-128 PARAGRAPHS, Bookkeeper's paragraph, 123 Broken paragraphs, 100, 102 Order of items, 1-2, 152 Sectional paragraphs, 104 Use in itemizing, 120, 122 PER, 126 PLURALS, 58 POLITENESS IN LETTERS, 100, 125, 129-130, 139 POSSESSIVE CASE, THE, 39 POSTAL CARDS, USE AND ABUSE OF, 119, 144, 146 POST OFFICE SERVICE, THE, 178-182 POSTSCRIPTS, 3, 122 PRIVATE SECRETARY, DUTIES OF, 172-177 PROOF-READING, 38-39 PUNCTUATION, 8, 28-29, 44, 1 18 RE, 61 RECEPTACLES IN FILING, 220-221 RECOMMENDATION, LETTERS OF, 154 RECORD-KEEPING AND RECORD- FILING SYSTEMS, 191 REGENTS' EXAMINATION IN BUSI- NESS ENGLISH, A, 168-169 REGISTERED MAIL, 178 REMITTANCES, KINDS OF, 122, 240, 242 RESIGNATION, LETTERS OF, 155 RETURN ADDRESS, 178 SALUTATIONS, 8, 12-20,44, 129-130, 152, 233-234 SENTENCES, Brevity in, 2-3 Broken sentences, 103, 121 SHANNON SYSTEM OF RECORD- FILING, THE, 218-219 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH 253 SIGNATURE, THE, 23, 46, 77, 151 SIGNS AND FIGURES, 39, 233 SINGLE-SPACED LETTER, 71, 90 SITUATION, How TO GET A, 69 SOCIAL CORRESPONDENCE, 43-49 SPECIAL DELIVERY MAIL, 178-179 SPECIMEN LETTERS, TELEGRAMS, ETC., 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 57, 70, 71, 74, 75, 88, 89, 90, 91, 94, 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 118, 119, 121, 123, 130, 139, 142, 143, 145, 146, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 184, 222, 226, 227, 241, 242 SPELLING, Choice of dictionaries, 107 Divisions of words, 108-110 Importance of correct spelling, 107 One hundred commonly misspelled words, 115-116 Use of preface to dictionaries, 108 Words with troublesome endings, 236-238 STAMPS, USE OF, 122 STATIONERY, KINDS OF, 22, 43, 44, 79-80 STENOGRAPHERS. ADVICE TO, 159- 160 SUBJECT FILING, 216-217 SUPERSCRIPTION, 8, 10-11, 14-20 STYLE-BOOK OF BUSINESS ENGLISH, How constructed, x How to use, ix TELEGRAPH SERVICE, THE, 183-186 TEST-LETTERS, 59, 60, 92, 111, 124, 125, 126, 131, 132, 133, 134 TESTS, TWENTY-FIVE FOR ANY LETTER, 157 TYPEWRITING STYLE, QUESTIONS ON, 160-161 VERTICAL FILING, 206-210 WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY, 185-186 PHONOGRAPHIC WORKS. Course in Isaac Pitman Shorthand. Cloth, embossed in gold 240 pp., $1.50. A Course of Forty Lessons in the Isaac Pitman System of Shorthand, specially designed for the Shorthand Amanuensis and adapted for use in Business Colleges, Academies, and High Schools. This work is officially used in the High Schools of New York, Brooklyn, and other large cities. Also in the leading business schools. Special features of this work are Position Writing from the Beginning. Words and Sentences introduced in the 1st Lesson. Business Letters in the 9th and subsequent Lessons. Phraseography taught from the 5th Lesson. Reporting Style taught from the Beginning. " We are getting excellent results with Isaac Pitman's ' Short Course in Shorthand,' and we expect to save almost a term by the use of it. All of our shorthand teachers praise it highly." Edwin A. Bolger, Teacher of Isaac Pitman's Shorthand, Commercial High School, Brooklyn, N. Y. %* A Special Edition of " Course " is published in Lesson Sheet Form for the use of teachers and schools who give instruction by mail. Each lesson is printed in a separate part and enclosed in a cardboard box. $1.50. Key to " Course." Cloth, gilt, 60c. Key to " Course." Lesson Sheet Form, 60c. Brief Course in Isaac Pitman Shorthand. Cloth, gilt, 174 pp., $1.25. A condensed form of " Course " arranged in 27 Lessons and especially adapted for evening schools. Supplementary Exercises in Isaac Pitman Shorthand (Part 1), 48 pp., 25c. A Series of Graded Exercises in ordinary type on every rule in the system, specially compiled and adapted for use with " Course in Isaac Pitman Shorthand." Isaac Pitman's Shorthand Instructor. Cloth, embossed in gold, 313 pp., $1.50. An Exposition of Isaac Pitman's System of Phonography. Containing instruction for both beginners and advanced students, with copious lists ot Phrases and Exercises, Business Letters, etc. The general plan of the " Instructor " makes it equally acceptable for self-tuition and for class-use. %* The " Shorthand Instructor " is also published in two parts, as follows Complete Amanuensis Course. (Part 1.) 182 pp., cloth, gilt, $1.00. The New Phonographic Reporter. (Part 2.) 131 pp., cloth, gilt, $1.00. Key to "New Phonographic Reporter." Lesson Sheet Form, 25c. Key to " Shorthand Instructor," 50c. : cloth, 60c. Contains a Shorthand and Longhand Key to all the Exercises, and furnishes Answers to the Review Questions. Pitman's Shorthand Writing Exercises and Examination Tests. Cloth, gilt, 220 pp., 60c. This work contains exhaustive classified lists of words illustrative of every rule in the system, and over 100 graduated sentence exercises in ordinary print for wr.'ting or dictation practice. No word is introduced before the rule governing it has been mastered by the learner. Brief guidance is given at the head of sections, and there are exercises on upward and downward sh ; also special exercises on the Contractions. Key to " Shorthand Writing Exercises." In Shorthand. $1.25. Preliminary Instruction for the Study of Isaac Pitman's Shorthand by Correspondence. A simple and extended exposition of the Art as presented in " Course in Isaac Pitman Shorthand," and to be used in conjunction with the Lesson Sheet Edition of this work. 40c. The Phonographic Teacher. 48 pp., 25c. A Guide to a Practical Acquaintance with the Art of Phonography. Three nrvlMon seven hundred thousand. Key to the" Teacher." 20c. Of great value to the Private Student. Practice Letters for Beginners in Shorthand. 64 pp., 35c. The need of a book presenting dictation matters in the form of letters beginning with the first principles and developing in harmony with the text-books has long been felt by practical teachers. It is believed that this work meets this need in a very satisfactory manner. The simple sentences illustrating the first few lessons relating to consonants, long and short vowels and grammalogs are arranged in letter form. First Lessons in Isaac Pitman Shorthand. 36 pp., 10o. A reprint of the first seven lessons from " Course in Isaac Pitman Shorthand." The Phonographic Exercise Book. lOc. Made of the best quality paper, in single or double lines. Graduated Tests in Isaac Pitman's Shorthand. 80 pp., 20c. A series of revisionary exercises, arranged on an entirely new plan, with the object of testing the student's knowledge of the system. The tests consist of a very carefully chosen list of 1,600 words in ordinary print, illustrating the whole of the rules, forming a valuable means of adding to the student's phonographic vocabu- 1 ary. There is a space for the learner's first outline ; a space for the teacher's correction, should such be required ; and spaces for the pupil to re-write the correct form. Pitman's Graded Shorthand Readings. CENTENARY EDITIONS. Elementary, with Key. 63 pp., 25c. Intermediate, with Key, 72 pp. , 30c. These two books contain a series of readings dealing with the principles of Pitman's Shorthand as developed in the Shorthand Instructor. Pitman's Shorthand Reading Lessons, No. 1. 48 pp., 20c. For use with the " Teacher," " Manual," or " Instructor," and furnishing reading practice and word-building from the beginning. Key to Shorthand Reading Lessons, No. 1, in ordinary type. 6c. Pitman's Shorthand Reading Lessons, No. 2. 61 pp., 25c. Key to Shorthand Reading Lessons, No. 2, in ordinary type. 6c. Letter Dictation from the Beginning. 32 pp., 20c. A series of practical business and general letters (in ordinary print) based on the principles of Isaac Pitman Shorthand. Progressive Studies in Phonography. 40c. ; cloth, 60c. A simple and extended exposition of the Art of Phonetic Shorthand, as set forth in the " Teacher," the " Manual," and the " Reporter " ; intended as a supplementary book to these three. Talks with Shorthand Students. Ill PP., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. Prin- ciples of Pitman's Shorthand, and designed to help the student of Pitman's Shorthand, whether under instruction or mastering the art by his own efforts. Chats About Pitman's Shorthand. 50c. ; cloth, gilt, 60c. Contains a series of 35 " Chats " on the system. As the student progresses through the book he will find innumerable hints and many useful examples which will assist him to a thorough mastery of the rules. This book, like the popular "Talks with Shorthand Students," will be specially useful to the self-taught student and also to the prospective teacher. The " Fono " Headline Shorthand Copy Books. BOOKS A, B, AND C. Each, lOc. Containing a series of beautifully engraved graduated copies to be written in Shorthand. Exercises in Phonography. 5c. A series of graduated sentence exercises. Pitman's Shorthand Gradus. 6c. A series of Writing Exercises for use with the " Instructor " or " Manual." Also contains a full list of Consonant Outlines, and exercises on same. JEsop's Fables. 20c. In the Learner's Style. A valuable reading bx>k in words of one syllable. Easy Readings. 20c. In the Learner's Style of Shorthand, with Key. The Learner's Shorthand Reader. 20c. A Compend of Phonography. 5c. Containing the Alphabet, Gramma'.ogues and principal Rules for Writing. Pitman's Shorthand Manual. 176 pp., 60c. ; cloth, 75c. Being a condensed edition of Part 1 of the " Instructor." and con- taining an exposition of the system, with numerous engraved shorthand examples interspersed with the text. Review Questions, and Exercises in reading and writing. "Teacher " and "Manual." In 1 vol., roan, gilt, $1.00. Key to Exercises in " Manual." 20c. With Answers to the Review Questions. The Phonographic Reader. 20c. A course of Reading Exercises in Phonography, with Key. Pitman's Shorthand Reporter. 150 pp., 75c. ; cloth, 85c. Being a condensed edition of Part 2 of the " Instructor and an adaptation of Phonography to Verbatim Reporting. Key to the "Reporter." 20c. Reporting Exercises. 20c. Intended as a Companion to the tV Reporter"; containing exercises on all the rules and contracted words in this book. Key to the " Reporting Exercises." 40c. : cloth, 50c. In which all the Exercises are presented in Shorthand. The Acquisition of Speed in Phonography. 63pp.,20c. In ordinary type. Containing chapters on the following subjects : The System The Importance of Thoroughness and Method of Study Elementary Speed Practice Tests of Speed Facsimiles of Notes at 209 words and over per minute. How to Obtain Speed in Shorthand. 20 pp., lOc. Containing practical advice from the leading congressional, court, and convention reporters. The Grammalogues and Contractions of Pitman's " Reporter." 10c. Vest pocket size. lOc. How to Practice and Memorize the Grammalogues. 32 pp., 20c. An extremely useful book for practice, arranged sectionally in the order in which they appear in the " Course " and the " Instructor." After the list of grammalogues in each section, there is a series of letters consisting of grammalogues for dictation. Exercises on the Grammalogues and Contractions. 40 pp., limp cloth, 25c. In Shorthand, with Key. The feature of this useful book, which is specially adapted for the revision of the gram- malogues and contractions, is that the exercises are arranged alphabetically a method which will be found of great con- venience to the student. The book will also be of service in providing suitable matter for dictation practice. Complete lists of the grammalogues (arranged alphabetically and phonetically) and contractions (arranged alphabetically) are contained at the end of the book. The Phonographic Phrase Book. 88 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. Con- taining above 2,000 useful phrases in Phonography, with Key and an exercise occupying 43 pages, containing all the phrases as they occur in the book. Pitman's Shorthand Dictionary. 327 PP., cloth, $1.50 " Library Edition," roan, gilt, colored edges, $1.75. Centenary Edition,' Revised and Enlarged, containing the Shorthand Reporting Outlines, beautifully printed from engraved characters, of over 62,000 words and geographical names, with parallel Key in ordinary type. Also a complete list of Grammalogues and Contracted Words alphabetically arranged. The most com- prehensive Shorthand Dictionary published. Specimen pages free. " An exceedingly valuable work." N. Y. Sun. Pocket Shorthand Dictionary. 224 pp., cloth, 75c. ; French morocco, gilt, size 3 X 4 in., $1.00. Contains over 22,000 words, with their shorthand characters, and a complete list of Grammalogues and Contractions. A small, handy work, thoroughly up-to-date, and beautifully engraved. Cumulative Speller and Shorthand Vocabulary. 145 pp., cloth, gilt, 50c. Adopted by the Isew York Board of Education. For further particulars oj this work, see page 12. The Reporter's Assistant. 132 pp., 50c. ; cloth, 60c. A Key to the Reading of the Reporting Style of Phonography. All the words in the dictionary, not exceeding three consonants, were written in Shorthand, and from this extensive list of outlines has been drawn all words that contain the same outline, and they have been classified according to their forms. Of great aid in reading one's notes. Technical Reporting. 60 pp., 50c. : cloth, 60c. Comprising Phonographic Abbreviations for words and phrases commonly met with in Reporting Legal, Medical, Scientific, and other Technical Subjects, with type key. Pitman's Progressive Dictator. 220 pp., cloth, gilt, 85c. A Com- plete Manual of Dictation, comprising selections of original letters relating to 27 different lines of business, arranged with vocabu- laries of engraved shorthand outlines and phrases, and the matter counted for timing at varying rates of speed. This is the latest and best dictation book published, and should be in the hands of every student. %* An edition of this work, entitled " The Progressive Dictator," (price 75c.) is also issued, without the shorthand characters, for those schools teaching other than the Isaac Pitman system. Pocket Dictation Books, Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4. Size 2' in. x 4f in., 48 pp. Price 8c. each. These handy dictation books consist of a reprint from the keys in ordinary print to the speeches and other matter which has appeared in the Reporting Style pages of Pitman's (English) Journal. Practical Business Letters in Shorthand. 64 pp., 30c. A series of Business Letters, in engraved Isaac Pitman's shorthand, con- taining 76 letters on the following subjects : Railroad Corre- spondence Life Insurance Banking Fruit and Produce Real Estate, etc. A letterpress Key is provic"d at the end of the book. Business Correspondence in Shorthand, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. 40 pp. each. 25c. each. A series of valuable books containing actual correspondence in various branches of business. Each book is Keyed in ordinary type and the matter counted for speed practice in either shorthand or typewriting. Stenographers, after completing their studies, feel the need of some practical material to enable them to keep up their practice and at the same time increase their speed. LIST OF CONTENTS. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE IN SHORTHAND, No. 1. Subjects treated : Railroad Correspondence Law (General) Law (Patents) Law (Pensions) Banking Stock Brokers' Hard- ware Lumber Boots and Shoes Miscellaneous Power of Attorney Form, etc. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE IN SHORTHAND, No. 2. Subjects treated : Real Estate Correspondence Financial Legal ana Law Hardware Dry Goods Insurance Electrical Boots and Shoes Lumber Publishing Miscellaneous, etc. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE IN SHORTHAND, No. 3. Subjects treated : Advertising Correspondence Agents Automobile Bicycle Boiler Appliance, etc. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE IN SHORTHAND, No. 4. Subjects treated : Boiler Appliance Correspondence Bookbinding Builders' Collections Copying Office Cotton Desks Dry Goods Drugs, etc. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE IN SHORTHAND, No. 5. Subjects treated : Dry Goods Correspondence Electrical Construction Express Financial Standing Fire Insurance Flour and Feed Furniture, etc. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE IN SHORTHAND, No. 6. Subjects treated : Groceries Hardware Hotel Investment Legal Life Insurance, etc. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE IN SHORTHAND, No. 7. Subjects treated : Life Insurance Lumber Municipal Paper and Envelopes Patents and Trade Marks Patent Foods Pensions Pianos Pottery, etc. %* This work is also published in the following convenient forms in cloth binding. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE IN SHORTHAND, Nos. 1 and 2, in one volume. Cloth, gilt, 80 pp., 60c. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE IN SHORTHAND, Nos. 3 and 4, in one volume. Cloth, 80 pp., 60c. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE IN SHORTHAND, Nos. 5 and 6, in one volume. Cloth, 80 pp., 60c. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE IN SHORTHAND, Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4. In one volume. Special Shorthand Edition without Type Key. Cloth gilt, 88 pp., 75c. Shorthand in the Office. 130 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. Graduated Dictation Books. 47 pp., 10c. each. For acquiring Speed in Shorthand and Typewriting. Adapted to any system. The reading matter is divided on a new and improved plan. Divided for speeds of 50, 80, 100, and 160 words per minute. No. 1. Political Speeches. No. 2. Sermons. No. 3. Commercial. No. 4. Speeches and Addresses. Key, in Shorthand, to the Graduated Dictation Book, Nos. 1 and 2. 20c. each. Pitman's Commercial Correspondence in Shorthand. 224 pp., cloth, 85c. A series of model business letters in engraved Phonography. The letters are examples of the best business style of the present day, and in this respect possess important advantages over other publications of a similar character. Commercial Correspondence and Commercial English. 272 pp., cloth, 85c. A Practical Manual of Commercial Correspondence, forming a key to " Commercial Correspondence in Shorthand." All the letters are counted for shorthand and typewriting speed practice, and editions are published in Spanish, French, and German, corresponding page for page. Instruction in Legal Work. 40 pp., 25c. In ordinary type. For Court Stenographers and Law Students. Reprinted from " Pitman's Twentieth Century Dictation and Legal Forms." Military Phrase Book. 40 pp., 40c. Electrical Terms and Phrases. 50 pp., 50< . Pitman's Shorthand Writer's Phrase Books and Guides. Cloth. Price, each 75c. These volumes form a new series of books designed for practical shorthand writers engaged in special departments of work. They comprise a most comprehensive and exhaustive list of phrases in ordinary type, followed by engraved shorthand forms. The following volumes are now ready : ELECTRICAL AND ENGINEERING. SHIPPING. REAL ESTATE, ARCHITECTS, AND SURVEYORS. PRINTERS' AND PUBLISHERS'. RAILROAD. INSURANCE. MUNICIPAL. STOCK- BROKING. COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL. t The Stenographic Expert. For Isaac Pitman writers. 264 pp., cloth, $2.25. By WILLARD B. BOTTOME and WILLIAM F. SMART. See page 14 for further information. Pitman's Speed Tests and Guide to Rapid Writing in Shorthand. Crown 8vo, cloth, 75c. This new work is divided into two parts : Part I contains advice on the acquisition of speed, by R. J. GARWOOD, S. H. GODFREY, and WILLIAM F. SMART all well- known speed writers in the shorthand world. Part II contains a series of speed tests of upwards of 1,000 words each, counted for dictation practice. ADAPTATIONS OF ISAAC PITMAN'S PHONOGRAPHY TO FOREIGN LANGUAGES. Taquigrafia Espanola de Isaac Pitman. New Edition Revised. 128 pp., cloth, gilt, ?>1.25. Adaptacicn a la Lengua Espanola del Sistema de Fonografia del Autor. Para uso de Escuelas de Comercio, Institutes y tambien para Estudio Personal. Being an Adaptation of Isaac Pitman's Shorthand to the Spanish Language. Designed for use in Business Colleges, High Schools, and for Self-Instruction. Key to Taquigrafla Espanola. Cloth, gilt, $1.00. With additional Exercises. Manual de Fonografia Espanola per Guillermo Parody. An adapta- tion of Isaac Pitman's Shorthand to the Spanish language. New and Revised Edition. 101 pp., $1.25. French Phonography. 40c. ; cloth, 50c. Third Edition. Revised and Enlarged. An adaptation of Phonography to the French language. By T. A. REED. French Shorthand Commercial Correspondence. A Series of Busi- ness Letters in French Phonography, with type Key. Cloth, 89 pp., 75c. Stenographic Pitman. Cloth, gilt, $1.25. An adaptation of Phonography to the French language. By SPENCER HERBERT. German Phonography. Crown 8vo, 64 pp., 50c. ; cloth, 60c. An adaptation of Phonography to the German language. Manuale di Fonografia Italiana. 50c. An adaptation of Phono- graphy to the Italian language. By GIUSEPPE FRANCINI. Dutch Phonography. $1.50. An adaptation of Phonography to the Dutch language. By F. DE HAAN. Phonographia sef Llaw Fer Yn 01 Trefn Isaac Pitman. 50c. An adaptation of Phonography to the Welsh language. By Rev. R. H. MORGAN, M.A. Manual of Latin Phonography. By Rev. W. TATLOCK, S.J. An adaptation of Isaac Pitman's Shorthand to the Latin language. Cloth, gilt, $1.25. Japanese Phonography. English, examples, etc., in Japanese. * * e * E * EDWARD GAUNTLETT'S adaptation of Pitman's Shorthand to the Japanese language ; in Japanese. With Book of Exercises, complete, price $1.25. Pitman's Phonography adapted to Esperanto. Limp cloth, 50c. SHORTHAND READING BOOKS. The student, to increase his speed, and to improve his know- ledge of Phonography, cannot read too much well- engraved short- hand. One advantage of studying the Isaac Pitman system and one which cannot well be over-estimated is, that the short- hand literature in that system is far in excess of all other systems combined. " We would emphasize still further the wealth of literature the Isaac Pitman system has. . . . These publishers are continually issuing new works in shorthand, and this in itself should make their system a great force in the shorthand world." Business Journal (New York). " We wish to repeat what we have said before with refer- ence to the literature sent out by Isaac Pitman & Sons, and that is, that the very extensive line they furnish is of itself the highest recommendation for the system. No other system furnishes as much." American Penman (New York). IN THE CORRESPONDING STYLE. delect Readings, No. 1. 48 pp., 20c. An entirely new book of readings. Partial list of selections : " A Rill from the Town Pump " (NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE) ; " The Heart of London " (CHARLES DICKENS) ; " The Man in Black " (OLIVER GOLDSMITH); " Household Superstitions " (JOSEPH ADDISON) ; " Caught in the Quicksand" (VICTOR HUGO), etc. Select Readings, No. 2. 48 pp., 20c. Containing "A First Night at Sea " (RICHARD H. DANA) ; " Niagara " (DICKENS) ; " The Candid Man " (BULWER LYTTON), etc. Mugby Junction and Other Stories. By CHARLES DICKENS. 50c. ; cloth, 60c. A Shorthand Birthday Book of Dickens Quotations. In the Corre- sponding Style of Pitman's Shorthand. Cloth, gilt, 85c. This charming volume contains favorite quotations from the works of Charles Dickens for every day in the year. Three days to a page, with ample space for birthday entries. Artistically printed and very tastefully produced. The Chimes. 127 pp., 50c. ; cloth, 60c. By CHARLES DICKENS. 8 The Battle of Life. 130 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. By CHARLES DICKENS. The Silver Ship of Mexico. 132 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. By J. H. INGRAHAM. The Book of Psalms. 160 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. Self-Culture. 91 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. By PROF. BLACKIE. Gulliver's Voyage to Lilliput. 88 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. By DEAN SWIFT. Tales and Sketches. 96 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. By WASHINGTON IRVING ; with Printed Key. Robinson Crusoe. 309 pp., 60c. ; cloth, 75c. By DANIEL DEFOE. Illustrated. This work is extremely well adapted for use as a shorthand reader, and, in attractive cloth binding, forms a handsome prize volume. The Vicar of Wakeneld. Illustrated. 280 pp., 50c. ; cloth, 60c. IN THE REPORTING STYLE. Miscellaneous Readings. 61pp.,35c. ; cloth, gilt, 60c. An entirely new series of Shorthand Dictation Exercises with printed Key, and the matter counted for testing of speed in Shorthand or Typewriting. Selections from American Authors. 112 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. With Key in ordinary type at the foot of each page, and con- taining the following selections : " The Buccaneer's Treasure " (IRVING) ; " My Editing " (TWAIN) ; " A Venerable Impostor " (HARTE) ; " The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table " (HOLMES) ; " The Way to Wealth " (FRANKLIN) ; " The Tell-Tale Heart " (PoE) ; " Greatness in Common Life " (CHANNING) ; " The Story of a Drum " (HARTE) ; " The Procession of Life " (HAW- THORNE) ; " A Melting Story " (TWAIN) ; " The Professor at the Breakfast Table" (HOLMES). The Cricket on the Hearth. 132 pp., 50c. ; cloth, 60c. By CHARLES DICKENS. Brief Reporting Notes in Shorthand, or Shorthand Dictation Exer- cises. 48pp.,25c. With printed Key, and the matter counted and timed for testing of Speed either in Shorthand or Typewriting. The Sign of Four. 171 pp., 50c. ; cloth, 60c. By A. CONAN DOYLE. This famous detective story forms a very attractive book of phonographic reading. Tales from Dickens. 147 pp., 50c. ; cloth, 60c. Containing " The Tuggs's at Ramsgate," " The Bloomsbury Christening," " The Great Winglebury Duel," and " Mr. Watkins Tottle," from " Sketches by Boz," forming Vol. 5 of " Pitman's Shorthand Library." In engraved shorthand, Reporting Style. With 17 original illustrations and heading. Around the World in Eighty Days. 184 pp., 50c. ; cloth, 60c. By JULES VERNE. The Haunted Man. 104 pp., 50c. ; cloth, gilt, 60c. By CHAS. DICKENS. 21 Original page Illustrations. Thankful Blossom. 105 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. By BRET HARTE. A Christmas Carol. lllpp.,40c. ; cloth, 50c. By CHARLES DICKENS. t High Speed in Shorthand : How to Attain It. 64 pp., 40c. With type Key. Scenes from Pickwick. By CHARLES DICKENS. Cloth g'Jt, 260 pp., with pen illustrations by CHARLES RICHARDSON. Price 85c. This work contains a selection of the finest scenes and incidents from Dickens's immortal masterpiece, including the following : " The Cricket Match at Muggleton " ; " The Cricket Dinner at the Blue Lion at Muggleton " ; " Eatanswill Election " ; " Mr. Pickwick and Mrs. Bardell " ; " Bardell v. Pickwick " ; " Dodson and Fogg " ; " The Christmas Dinner at Dingley Dell " : " The Pickwickians on Skates." Any edition of Pickwick may be used as a key to the shorthand. f Shorthand Examinations : How to Prepare for and How to Pass Them. 25c. t Won and Lost. 25c. By JOHN TAYLOR. t The Phantom Stockman. 32 pp., 20c. By GUY BOOTHBY. Gleanings, Nos. 1 and 2. 48 pp. each. Each 20c. Containing reproductions of notable essays by T. A. REED and others, or shorthand matters, with printed Key. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. 62 pp., 20c. By WASHINGTON IRVING. With printed Key at the foot of each page. Rip Van Winkle. 32 pp., 20c. By WASHINGTON IRVING. With printed Key. The Bible in Shorthand. Cloth, beveled boards, red edges, $3 ; roan, gilt edges, $3.50 ; morocco, gilt edges, $4.50. Each style has a silk marker and comes boxed. Containing the Old and New Testaments. The New Testament. 368 pp., roan, red edges, $1.50; Turkey morocco, gilt edges, $2. In an Easy Reporting Style of Phonography. The Book of Common Prayer. 296 pp., roan, red edges, $1.50 ; Turkey morocco, gilt edges, $2. In an Easy Reporting Style of Phonography. The Church Services (entire). 935 pp., roan, $3; morocco, $4. In an Easy Reporting Style of Phonography. t Commercial Shorthand. 40c. A Reading and Dictation Book, with Introduction by E. A. COPE. TYPEWRITING. Practical Course in Touch Typewriting. By CHAS. E. SMITH, Author of Cumulative Speller." Eleventh Edition, revised and enlarged, 50c. ; cloth, 75c. A Scientific Method of Mastering the Keyboard by the Sense of Touch. The design of this work is to teach Touch Typewriting in such a way that the student will operate by touch will have an absolute command of every key on the keyboard, and be able to strike any key more readily without looking than would be the case with the aid of sight. A separate Chart, con- taining Keyboard and Diagrams printed in five colors, on a heavy double-calendered cardboard, accompanies each copy. Contains specimens of actual Business Letters, Legal Forms, Specifications, Instructions for the Use of the Tabulator, etc., all printed in actual typewriter type. In ordering, state whether Single or Double Keyboard Edition or Oliver Edition is desired. Adopted by the New York, Boston, Baltimore, Syracuse, Denver, Boards of Education. " Touch typewriting can be more easily and qirckly acquired by going from the outside keys towards the center. It is the 10 natural method of learning the keyboard, and prevents the beginner from being inaccurate. I recommend Mr. Charles E. Smith's ' Practical Course in Touch Typewriting ' as the best typewriting text-book for those who wish to become rapid, accurate touch typists." Margaret B. Owen, World's Champion Typist. " We have used your ' Practical Course in Touch Type- writing' in our Shorthand Department for several years. *Ve have examined, I believe, practically every text-book on typewriting so far published, having tried out several of them in the classroom, but each test makes us like your text the better. One feature of ' Practical Course in Touch Type- writing ' which especially appeals to us is that practically the entire keyboard is covered in the first five budgets. In other words, we believe that with this system the very best results are reached in the shortest possible time, which is, of course, a very important item in this work. We unhesitatingly recommend the book." /. Kugler, Jr., Principal, Coleman National Business College, Newark, AT./. (The Rational system was previously taught in this College.) " The exercises in ' A Practical Course in Touch Type- writing* are carefully graded, and so arranged that one makes rapid progress, and overcomes difficulties almost without being conscious of them. I believe the methods employed produce the very best results that can be desired. In my own case I was able to win two championships, writing in competition over roo net words a minute in less than twenty months from the time I first began the study of typewriting. I heartily recommend ' A Practical Course ' to all who wish to thoroughly master touch typewriting, and are looking for a text-book which gives the right start." Bessie Friedman, Winner of two Championships. " I have spent considerable time in looking over your Practical ' Course in Touch Typewriting ' ; in fact, I have gone over every page. In many ways, I think it promises well, and I will call the attention of the teachers in my depart- ment to it at our next teachers' meeting. It seems to me the plan of making budgets of the work is an excellent one. I have always advocated it, because I think anything which arouses in the mind of the pupil respect for and pride in his work is an advantage." Thomas H. T. Knight, Girls' High School, Boston, Mass. Isaac Pitman's Typewriter Manual. 86c. Fifth Edition, Revised and Enlarged. A Practical Guide to Commercial, Literary, Legal, Dramatic, and all classes of Typewriting work. Remington Typewriter Manual. 40c..; cloth, 50c. Seventh Edition. Instructions on the Remington Standard Typewriter. 32 pp., 20< . Also published 20c. each for the New Century Caligraph, Bar-Lock, and Yost. Typewriter Backing Sheet. lOc. Designed to protect the type, the platen, and to assist in giving better and longer service to the writing machine and lessen the noise. The sheet is printed with line numerals from 1 to 60, which indicates the nearing of the end of the sheet. The New Universal System of Touch or Sight Typewriting. By I. W. PATTON. Third Edition, Revised and Enlarged. 60c. 11 COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE, BUSINESS ENGLISH, SPELLING, Etc. Pitman's Twentieth Century Business Dictation Book and Legal Forms. 272 pp., stiff boards and cloth back, 75c. ; cloth, $1.00. (Eighth Edition.) Containing an up-to-date collection of genuine letters (in ordinary type) which have been used in the transaction of actual work in large American business houses, classified under 50 distinct lines of business, each set of letters separate ; Legal Forms ; and a judicious selection of practice-matter for general dictation. Also chapters on Spelling, Punctuation, Capitaliza- tion, and Short Practical Talks with the Amanuensis, etc. This work, which is the most complete dictation course published, is specially compiled for the teacher, the beginner, and the advanced student. All progressive Schools, without reference to the system of Shorthand taught, should insist upon each student procuring a copy. Every teacher of Shorthand or Typewriting will see at a glance the immense value of this work as a means by which students may study American business correspondence as it actually is. All matter counted for speed-testing. Also published in two parts, as follows: Part 1. Business Dictation. 168 pp., stiff boards and cloth back, 50c. Containing fifty distinct lines of business. Part 2. Legal Forms and Miscellaneous Selections, etc. 103 pp., stiff boards and cloth back, 40c. The Student's Practice Book. 241 pp., cloth, 75c. A collection of Letters for Acquiring Speed in Writing Shorthand. The Student's Practice Book is designed to be used by pupils on the completion of the study of the principles of stenography, as presented in Course in Isaac Pitman Shorthand or the Shorthand Instructor. It is not intended primarily as a dictation book to be used only by the instructor, but rather as a book from which definite lessons can be assigned by a teacher. Pitman's Cumulative Speller. 112 pp., cloth, 40c. By CHARLES E. SMITH, Author of A Practical Course in Touch Typewriting. A modern and practical speller for Commercial Education. As the title indicates, the plan is cumulative. Each lesson consists of sixteen words, the first twelve of which are re-spelled phonetic- ally and defined. The syllabication, pronunciation, and definition of the remaining four words should be assigned to the student, either as homework or seat-work. A homework dictionary, containing all of these special words, is included in the speller at the end of the first hundred regular lessons. This feature of the work is intended to afford the student a ready means of acquiring the dictionary habit a habit"so essential to all who take pride in turning out accurate work. Nearly all of the words assigned for homework are later on repeated in the regular lessons, so that the lessons review themselves and reduce to a minimum ihe necessity of having special review lessons. This work contains a special chapter on the New Spelling, together with the 300 words recommended by the Simplified Spelling Board, and is the only business speller published containing this feature. 12 % A special edition of ' Cumulative Speller ' is also issued with a Shorthand Vocabulary for schools teaching the Isaac P.tman system. Cloth, gilt, 145 pp., 50c. Sample pages of either edition sent on request. " The ' Cumulative Speller ' appealed to me so strongly when 1 was privileged to examine the proof sheets, that it was immediately placed on our list. It has as many advantages as the old time speller had defects. It presents a unique and scientific method in dealing with what has already been a most unsatisfactory subject to the shorthand teacher. It gives the student an extensive shorthand vocabulary and facility in reading his Shorthand. It also gives him a satisfactory meaning for each word, and it saves a vast amount of the teacher's time." A. M. Kennedy, Kennedy Shorthand School. Toronto, Canada. Punctuation as a Means of Expression. Its Theory and Practice. By A. E. LOVELL, M.A. 50c. This is much more than a mere statement of rules. The author has written an interesting and helpful manual of the subject, that will greatly impress the intelligent student and be much appreciated by all who value clearness and thoroughness in writing. Style Book of Business English. 238 pp., 86c. Sixth Edition, Revised. For Stenographers and Correspondents. This new treatise will especially appeal to the teacher of English wherever it is seen. Teachers of this subject using this work can feel assured of vastly better results than they have ever before secured. The new edition contains a special chapter on Card- indexing, Letter-filing, and the Duties of a Private Secretary. Adopted by the New York Board of Education. Pitman's Commercial Dictionary. The latest and best pocket dictionary. 384 pp. Cloth back, stiff boards, 25c. French rnorocco, 50c. At the suggestion of a number of teachers who have found the various present-day pocket dictionaries incom- plete and inaccurate for commercial and public school work, we have prepared this work which contains many features not found in books of this character. Book of Homonyms. By B. S. BARRETT. 192 pp., cloth, gilt, 75c. The work was written from a practical rather than from a theo- retical viewpoint, and all the exercises have been given repeated! y to the author's classes during the past eight or ten years. It is a book that should be in the hands of every student and writer of English, of every amanuensis, and especially of every writer of phonography, who often finds the similarity of conflicting outlines so perplexing and confusing. The object of this book is to cover a field not heretofore exploited by any other text- book. It is not a grammar nor a spelling book, but is supple- mental to both, and contains information, not elsewhere fur- nished, that cannot fail to be serviceable to every person who uses the English language. WORKS ON SHORTHAND, COURT REPORTING, CIVIL SERVICE, Etc. Life of Sir Isaac Pitman. 392 pp. Cloth gilt, gilt top, $1.00. Contains 50 illustrations, including photogravure, steel, and many other full-page plates, consisting of portraits, views, and facsimiles. Also a valuable bibliography of shorthand. The only authentic biography of the Inventor of Phonography. History of Shorthand. 228 pp., 75c. ; cloth, $1.00. By SIR ISAAC PITMAN. Third Edition. Containing a description of the prin- cipal systems of shorthand which have been published from the time of Bright in 1588, together with a short account of the early history of the art, and prefaced with a summary of Phono- graphy. The book also contains 16 pages of alphabets of the principal systems, with numerous specimens of shorthand. The largest and most complete history of shorthand ever published. Life and Work of Sir Isaac Pitman. Illustrated. 40c. Pitman's Popular Guide to Journalism. 112 pp., cloth, 50c. Essentials of Phonography. 24 pp., 20c. Pitman's Shorthand and Typewriting Year Book and Diary. 40> . The Bibliography of Shorthand. 256 pp., cloth, $2.00. By Dr. WESTBY-GIBSON. Comprising a list of all known printed Works and Manuscripts on Stenography and Phonography, by English, Colonial, and American authors. Civil Service Examinations for Stenographers. 25c. By LEONHARD FELIX FULD, LL.M., Ph.D., Examiner, Municipal Civil Service Commission, New York. t The Stenographic Expert. For Isaac Pitman writers. 264 pp., cloth, $2.25. By WILLARD B. BOTTOME, Official Court Steno- grapher, New York Supreme Court, and American Champion of 1909 ; and WILLIAM F. SMART, C.S.R., Holder of two Gold Medals and Pitman's Speed Certificate for 220 words per minute. This is the most up-to-date, practical, advanced text-book for Court Stenographers and Experts ever issued. Contains 96 shorthand plates of Isaac Pitman Shorthand, comprising valu- able lists of Court Phrases, Short Cuts, and Abbreviations, etc. While especially adapted to Isaac Pitman stenographers, this work can be used to considerable advantage by all Pitmanic writers. Mr. Nathan Behrin, an Isaac Pitman writer, and Champion Shorthand Writer of the World, and holder of the World's Speed and Accuracy Record, says of this book " It fills the long-felt want of graduates of shorthand schools who are ambitious to attain to the higher phases of reporting. The lists of conflicting and difficult words should prove of great value to those who will thoroughly master them, for they will thus have in concrete form the outlines proven to be the swiftest and best by many years of experience. I am 14 particularly pleased with the articles on Court Reporting and the shorthand notes of an actual trial, as I can still remember what mysteries these matters were to me at one time, and what a boon they would have proved. The Stenographic Expert is a volume that will grace the library of any stenographer." t Civil Service Examinations. 144 pp., 75c. One of the most important branches of the Civil Service is that covered by the general title of clerical force. Of this department, the position of stenographer and typewriter usually takes precedence and, with one or two exceptions, is the most remunerative. How to Become a Law Stenographer. 168 pp., 75c. Cloth, gilt, $1.00. Revised and Enlarged Edition. For Stenographers and Typists. A Compendium of Legal Forms, containing a complete set of Legal Documents accompanied with full explanations and directions for arranging the same on the typewriter. This work contains valuable suggestions found in no other work, and will be found an indispensable companion for every stenographer intending to take a position in a law office. The new edition contains a very complete appendix of legal words and phrases, with the accompanying shorthand outlines and type Key. MISCELLANEOUS WORKS. BANKING, BOOK-KEEPING, INSURANCE, MEMORY, etc. A Complete Guide to the Improvement of the Memory. 116 pp., cloth, 50c. Or, The Science of Memory Simplified. By Rev. J. H. BACON. A Guide to English Composition. 112 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. With Progressive Exercises. By Rev. J. H. BACON. Business Handwriting. 40*. Primer of Book-keeping. 40c. An introductory and preparatory course. Answers to "Primer." Cloth, 40c. Book-keeping Simplified. Cloth, $1.00. By FRED J. NEV. The author of this work has had considerable experience in the teaching of this subject, and his chief aim has been to make the text as practical and up to date as possible from an American standpoint. " A complete yet concise book on the subject." School, N. Y. Key to "Book-keeping Simplified." Cloth, gilt, $1.00. Pitman's Advanced Book-keeping. 187 pp., cloth, $1.00. Answers to Advanced Book-keeping. Cloth, 40c. Pitman's Complete Book-keeping. 372 PP., cloth $1.50. Answers to Complete Book-keeping. Cloth, 85c. 15 How to Teach Book-keeping. 200 pp., cloth, $1.00. Dictionary of Book-keeping. By R. J. PORTERS. 777 pp., cloth. O 'ilt, $2.50. Pitman's Business Man's Guide. 500 pp., cloth, $1.25. Where to Look. 128 pp., cloth, 85c. A complete guide to all the leading books of reference. The Card Index System. Its Principles, Uses, Operations, and Component Parts. By R. B. BYLES. Cloth, 108 pp., with 30 illustrations. 50c. Filing Systems. 192 pp., cloth, gilt, $1.00. By E. A. COPE. This work supplies some trustworthy information as to the chief characteristics of modern .methods of filing, and explains the kind of assistance that they are capable of rendering to their users, and to show how they may be applied for various purposes. Systematic Indexing. By J. KAISER. Cloth, gilt, with 32 illustrations and 12 colored plates. $4.50. Pitman's Economic History of England. 400 pp., with diagrams. Cloth, gilt, $2.00. By H. O. MEREDITH, M.A. Pitman's Commercial Geography of the World. 268 pp., colored plates and maps. Cloth, gilt, 85c. Business Terms and Phrases. 164 pp., cloth, 85c. Containing explanations of terms, phrases, aad abbreviations, in English, with French, German, and Spanish equivalents. Pitman's Paper Flower Making. Cloth, 60c. Colored plates and 150 illustrations. The World and Its Commerce. 130 pp., and 35 maps. Cloth, 50o. Dictionary of the World's Commercial Products. 163 pp., $1.00. Second Edition, Revised. With equivalents in French, German, and Spanish. Clay Modelling for Infants. 128 pp., cloth, 75c. By F. H. BROWN, A.R.C.A. With 80 most practical and suggestive illustrations. This book is intended as a guide for those teachers who have had little or no opportunity of acquiring even the slightest knowledge of the subject and to open up a field for those whose attainments are such as will enable them to develop the subject on their own individual lines. Cane Weaving for Children. 32 pp., 20c. An educational method of hand training. By LUCY R. LATTER. Encyclopaedia of Marine Law. 300 pp., cloth, gilt, $2.00. By LAWRENCE DUCKWORTH. Insurance. 340 pp., cloth, $2.50. A Practical Exposition for the Student and Business Man. By T. E. YOUNG, B.A., F.R.A.S., Ex- President of the Institute of Actuaries, and Member of the Actuarial Society of America. A thoroughly practical Treatise for all engaged in Insurance work. Treats fully of Life, Fire, and Marine Insurance. A work of living interest, and will prove of the utmost practical value. Adopted by Yale University. Insurance Office Organisation, Management, and Accounts. 150 pp., cloth, $1.50. A Companion Volume to Insurance. By T. E. YOUNG, B.A., F.R.A.S., and RICHARD MASTERS. " It covers primarily the numerous points arising in office organization books of accounts, the arrangement of work, 16 the staff and its selection, salaries, promotion, the training of clerks, dismissals, retirement and superannuation together with many important suggestions as to matters growing out of the conduct of the business at the head office. This work is an extremely practical one, and there can hardly be an insurance office in the country which would not find useful and valuable suggestions therein, which, if adopted or adapted, would improve the records or minimise the office work or both. It is of particular value to those contemplating the establish- ment of new insurance companies." The Spectator, New York. Pitman's Secretary's Handbook. 160 pp., cloth, gilt, $1.50. By HERBERT E. BLAIN. " I have examined carefully your ' Secretary's Handbook ' by Herbert E. Blain, and can say that I could consistently recommend it as an invaluable aid to anyone who holds or hopes to hold a position as secretary to a man in public, pro- fessional or business life, or in corporation work. In fact, it would be of interest to anyone who holds or hopes to hold any position of trust or responsibility." Byron H. Milner, Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, University of Pennsylvania, Pa. Pitman's Business Methods and Secretarial Work for Girls and Women. By H. REYNARD. 89 pp., cloth, 60c. Dictionary of Banking. 550 pp., half leather, gilt, $6.50. A Com- plete Encyclopaedia of the English Banking Law and Practice. By W. THOMSON. Practical Banking. Including Currency. A Guide to Modern (English) Banking Practice and the Principles of Currency. By J. F. G. BAGSHAW and C. F. HANNAFORD. 320 pp., cloth, gilt, $2.00. This work is specially addressed to students of banking, and to those who are engaged in commercial work in which a knowledge of banking is necessary. It will also be of service to bank officials, especially those in the early years of their careers. Accountancy. 311 pp., cloth, gilt, $2.00. By FRANCIS W. PIXLEY. An entirely new work dealing with Accountancy, Constructive and Recording, from a theoretical and a practical point of view. Auditing, Accounting, and Banking. 319 pp., cloth, gilt, $2.00. By FRANK DOWLER and E. MARDINOR HARRIS. How to Become a Qualified Accountant. 120 pp., cloth, gilt, $1.00. Money, Exchange, and Banking. 312 pp.. cloth, gilt, $2.00. By H. T. EASTON, Associate of the Institute of Bankers. Treats of the above subjects in their practical, theoretical, and legal aspects. Office Organisation and Management. 315 pp., cloth, gilt, $2.00. By LAWRENCE R. DICKSEE, M.Com., F.C.A., and H. E. BLAIN. Stockbroker's Office Organisation, Management, and Accounts. By JULIUS E, DAY. 231 pp., cloth, gilt, $3.00. Gold Mine Accounts and Costing. 93 pp., cloth, gilt, $2.00. By G. W. TAIT. " The author of this book has had many years' practical experience in account keeping on the mines in South Africa, and the method he sets out will be found of considerable use to those keeping accounts of mines of all classes and in all parts of the world." Capitalist. 17 Pitman's Guide for the Company Secretary. 344 pp., cloth, gilt, $2.00. A practical manual and work of reference with regard to the duties of a Secretary to a Joint Stock Company. By ARTHUR COLES, A.C.I.S. The Social Workers' Guide. By the Rev. J. B. HALDANE. 483 pp., cloth, gilt, $1.35. WORKS, ETC., FOR TEACHERS. All Teachers of Isaac Pitman's Phonography are requested to send their address for registration to Isaac Pitman & Sons. t Methods of Teaching Shorthand. 160 pp., cloth, gilt, $1.00. A Practical Solution of Classroom Problems. This book should be in the hands of every progressive teacher of shorthand, with- out reference to the system taught. It contains a description of successful methods of teaching the subject based upon sound pedagogical principles. It is the first book of its kind on the market, and it will serve as a guide to the prospective teacher of shorthand and lead the experienced teacher to analyze his methods in the light of the principles of teaching enunciated. It offers teaching suggestions at every stage of the work, from the organization of the class at the first session to the completion of the course. Notes on Lessons on Pitman's Shorthand. 112 pp., cloth, gilt, 75c. Consists of about 50 lessons, w.th each of the principles from the Alphabet to the Distinguishing Outlines carefully set out with valuable hints and many useful examples. Preparation for a Shorthand Teacher's Examination. By W. WHEATCROFT. Limp cloth, 60c. This is a valuable series of articles which has attracted much attention in its serial form in Pitman's Magazine of Business. Most useful and reliable advice is given for candidates entering for a Teacher's Diploma. Pitman's Examination Notes on Shorthand. 48 pp., cloth, 50c. In this work the reasons for various features in the system are discussed, and the clear-cut conciseness of the standard text- book rules is, in some instances, amplified. Shorthand examples of the application of the rules are freely introduced. Handbook for Shorthand Teachers. Cloth, 60c. Containing Instruction to Teachers, Lessons on the Text-books, etc. Teachers will find in this work a description of the best methods of successful shorthand teaching. A Stereopticon Lecture on Shorthand. 32 pp., 25c. A brief history of writing from its invention to the present time, with special reference to Shorthand. The Pitmanic Guide. 24 pp., 20c. Containing a veritable mine of information about the system both for student and teachers, especially those who have previously studied other Pitmanic methods. Chart of the Phonetic Alphabet. 22 x 35 in. 10c. Same mounted on canvas rollers and varnished, 75c. Containing the Shorthand and Printing Letters. 18 Charts on Pitman's Shorthand. 35 x^22 in. $2.50; on canvas, $4.00. Ready for hanging on wall. A series of 14 large Charts illustrating the principles of Phonography as developed in the text-books. Som6 Points. Twelve pages and four cover pages printed in red and green. Price, 50c. per 100 ; $2.00 for 500, post paid. Teachers and schools will find this one of the most attractive pamphlets ever published in connection with the Isaac Pitman system. Sample copy free. The Earning Power of Shorthand, being a Persuasive to the Study and Practice of Phonography. 16 pp., 40c. per 100. $3.00 per 1,000 net, past paid. In attractive tinted cover, and space being reserved for Teachers' terms. By a judicious distribution of this pamphlet, pupils can be secured, and publications sold. A Smaller Edition of above Persuasive, consisting of 8 pp., giving Alphabet, etc. Sample free. Price, POST PAID, 100 copies, 20c. ; 500 copies, 90c. "Which System of Shorthand Should we Learn? " 32 pp., in attractive cover. Sample copy free. 10 copies, 20c. ; 50 copies, 65c. ; 100 copies, $1.20, POST PAID. What They Say. An attractive booklet of 58 pp., and cover giving the opinions of well-known educators and teachers of the relative merits of Pitmanic and Light-line systems. Teachers' NET PRICE, POST PAID, 25 copies, 25c. ; 100 copies, 75c. ; 500 copies, $3.50. The Commercial Value of Shorthand. 24 pp., in tinted cover. Text in 2 colors and marginal captions. Sample copy free. 25 copies, 25c. ; 100 copies, 75c., POST PAID. Shorthand in the Executive Department at Washington. 6 pp., and space for school imprint, 2 colors. Sample free. Price, POST PAID, 100 copies, 15c. ; 500 copies, 65c. Court Reporters' Testimony to the Superiority of the Isaac Pitman Shorthand. 12 pp., and space for imprint on first page of cover. Teachers' NET PRICE, POST PAID, 25 copies, 15c. ; 100 copies, 40c. , 250 copies, 85c. Twelve Reasons for Learning Isaac Pitman's Shorthand. Four pages, printed in 2 colors, and space for imprint. Teachers' NET PRICE, POST PAID, 100 copies, 12c. ; 500 copies, 50c. The New vs. The Old, or, The Isaac Pitman Phonography vs. Benn Pitman, Graham, and others. Eight pages. Teachers' NET PRISE, POST PAID, 25 copies, 15c. ; 100 copies, 40c. ; 250 copies, 85c. The Passing of Light-Line Shorthand. 16 pp. 100 copies, 40c. ; 500 copies, $1.75. A Higher Efficiency in Shorthand. 24 pp. 100 copies, 50c. ; 500 copies, $2.25. 19 Shorthand in High Schools. 24 pp. 100 copies, 50c. ; 500 copies. $2,52. Stenography as a Stepping-Stone to Fortune. 12 pp. 100 copies, 40c. ; 500 copies, $1.75. The Ladder to Fame. 8 pp. 100 copies, 30c. ; 500 copies, $1.35. The Shorthand Route to Fame. 12 pp. 100 copies, 40c. ; 500 copies, $1.75. Report of a Special Committee Appointed by the New York Board of Education in Regard to the Teaching of Isaac Pitman Shorthand in High Schools. 8 pp. 100 copies, 40c. ; 500 copies, $1.75. PERIODICALS. Pitman's Journal. Terms of Subscription : Per Year in Advance, 50c. Special Club rates on application. Sample copy free. An American Magazine for Isaac Pitman Teachers and Writers. Issued monthly, except July and August. Each number of PITMAN'S JOURNAL contains 24 pages (size 7 X 9J) and includes eight columns of beautifully engraved Phonography, furnishing invaluable means for study and practice to students of the art. Current topics of interest appear in every issue by contributors of reputation and experience, making the JOURNAL of the highest asefulness to both the beginner and experienced teacher. Facsimile notes and Prize Competitions are special features. t Bound volumes of PITMAN'S JOURNAL: Vol. I and II, $3.00 each ; Vol. Ill to date, $1.25. OTHER SHORTHAND PERIODICALS. ISAAC PITMAN & SONS, 2 WEST 45 STREET, NEW YORK, are agents and accept subscriptions for the following English publications Pitman's (English) Journal. Founded by Sir Isaac Pitman in 1842. The oldest and only weekly periodical (in any system) in exist- ence devoted to SHORTHAND, TYPEWRITING, and kindred subjects. Each number consists of 36 pp., and comprises 12 COLUMNS OF PRINTED SHORTHAND. Terms of Subscription, Payable in Advance 12 months, 52 weekly issues . . $1.75 6 26 . . 1.00 t Bound volumes of the JOURNAL from 1842 to 1875 are out of print. Volumes from 1876 to 1890, $2.50 each, post free. Volumes from 1891 to present date, $2.00 each, post free. Handsome covers for binding the present or past yearly volumes, t 40c. each. Pitman's Shorthand Weekly. 16 pp. BEAUTIFULLY PRINTED in the Reporting, Corresponding, and Learner's Styles, and 20 profusely illustrated. The contents consist of stories and tales, serial and complete ; interesting extracts ; amusing paragraphs ; phonographic jokes and anecdotes. Terms of subscription same as PITMAN'S (ENGLISH) JOURNAL. t Bound volumes (half-yearly) of PITMAN'S SHORTHAND WEEKLY as follows : Vols. 1 to 10 out of print ; Vol. 11 to thr present date, $1.50 each. Pitman's Shorthand Budget. The monthly edition of P.S.W. Each issue contains 32 to 40 pages of Engraved Phonography, and fully illustrated. Twelve months, $1.75 ; six months, $1.00. Sample, 15c. Reporters' Journal. Sample copy, 10c. Yearly subscription, post paid, $1.25. Edited by J. H. FORD. Reporters' Magazine. Sample copy, lOc. Yearly subscription, post paid, $1.25. Founded by E. J. NANKIVELL. The Phonographic Monthly. Sample copy, lOc. Yearly subscription, 75c. The Shorthand Gazette. Sample copy, lOc. Yearly subscription, $1.00. The Phonographic Observer. Sample copy, lOc. Yearly subscription, post pa'd, $1.00. PHONOGRAPHIC STATIONERY AND SUPPLIES. Reporters' Note-Book. " Fono" Series. For pen or pencil. Isaac Pitman & Sons' " Fono " Series. Specially made ELASTIC BOUND (no stitching), opening PERFECTLY FLAT. The paper contained in these note-books is expressly manufactured, and is of a very superior quality. The peculiar fibre of same permitting of a high rate of speed in shorthand writing. The old style note- book, on account of its cheap stiff binding, has a constant tendency to close, and when forced open will not lie flat. In the Isaac Pitman " Fono " Series this difficulty is entirely obviated, and when the page is turned will lie absolutely flat. This feature will be thoroughly appreciated in rapid work. Ruled in red unless otherwise stated. Sample pages of the different rulings sent on request. " I have become so used to your No. 5 Note-Book, that I can use no other. . . . My colleague (Mr. Beard) in this Court says that your books are the best he has ever used in twenty years' experience." Peter P. McLoughlin, Court of General Sessions, New York City. END OPENING. No. 5 " Fono " Series, 200 pp., 5 X 8 in. . 20r. 5 ,, ,, marginal line . 20c. 21 No. 5 " Fono "Sei'rs, 200 pp., 5x8 in. marginal line and pages numbered 1 to 200 . . . 25c. ,, 5 .. ,, ,, ,, marginal line and stiff board covers . 25c. 5\ ,, ,, ,, ,, narrow ruling . 20c. ,, SB ,, ,, ,, marginal, and two addit : ona' faint blue lines . . 20c. ,, 5n ,, with pages, numbered 1 to 200 . . 25c. ,, 5c ,, ,, 200 pp., 5| X 8J in., six vertical lines 25c. ,, 5c ,, ,, with pages numbered 1 to 200 . . 30c. 5n ,, (pencil paper) 200 pp., 5x8 in. . 20c. ,, S>F ,, ,, 200 pp., 5 X 8 in. One centre line . 20c. ,, 7 ,, ,, 200pp., 4J X 81 in., three vertical lines, stiff board covers .... 20c. ,, 7 ,, ,, with pages numbered 1 to 200 . . 25c. 8 100 pp., 4J X 8i in., stiff board covers, with pages numbered. Used by the U.S. Congressional Reporters 25c. 8 ,, ,, wUh marginal line and pages numbered 25c. 9 200 pp., 4| x 8J in. (stitched), stiff board covers, marginal line and pages numbered 25c. ,,20 ,, 200 pp., 5| X 8} in., stiff board covers, with blue narrow ruling and red marginal line 30c. SIDE OPENING. No. 6 " Fono " Series, 240 pp., 4| X 7 in., unruled . . 20c. ,, BA ,, ,, 160 pp., 5J X 8i in., eight vertical lines 25c. 6B ,, 160pp., 5i X 8i in., line down centre 25c. 8c 160 Pencil paper 25c. 6s ,, ,, 200 pp., 5J X 8| in., six vertical lines (for Convention work) . . . 25c. 8F ,, 200 pp., 5J x 8i in., four vertical lines 25c. A liberal reduction by the dozen copies. Note-Books should be ordered in quantities to warrant sending by express and thus saving extravagant postage required on this class of matter. LOOSE REPORTING SHEETS. No. 5 "Fono" Series Reporting Paper. Size 8J x 11J in. Ruled with four vertical lines dividing the sheet in equal parts, In packages of 1,000 sheets, numbered from 1 to 1,000. Price. S3.20 net. 22 No. 6 "Fonq" Series Reporting Paper. S'zo 8$ x 111 '" Six vertical lines divided into double columns and punched holes for filing. In packages of 1,000 sheets, numbered from 1 to 1,000. Price, $3.30 net. Student's Note-Books. Made of superior qua ity paper. No. 1100 pages, 4 X 6 in., red lines . 5c. ,, 2 180 pages, 4 X 62 in., red lines 8c. 3200 pages, 4J X 7i in., red lines .... lOc. ,, 19 140 pages 4J X 9 in., red lines and marginal line 20c. %* Nos. 1, 2, and 3 contain a complete list of Reporting Gramma- logues and Contractions, alphabetically arranged, printed inside the covers. Lead Pencils. Isaac Pitman & Sons' Reporting Pencils will in future be stamped and known as Pitman's . ono " Pencils, but the quality will remain the same it canno'. be improved. For smoothness, durability, and uniformity of prade (which is at once detected by a sensitive hand), and for easy cutting, these pencils have stood unequalled for upwards of a quarter of a century. Once used, always used : ensuring satisfaction with the pencils and with the writer. Made in two qualities : No. 1 $5 ; per gross, $9. Sample of six, post-paid, 50c. ; three, 30c. Note-Book Covers. 20c., post-paid 25c. Neat black cloth covers, for holding either Nos. 1, 2, or 3, and forming a knee rest. For " Fono " Series No. 5, price 30c., post-paid 35c. Reporting Paper. Per Quire, 10c. ; post-free, 12c. Five Quires, 40c. ; post-free, 50o. Reporting Covers. Cloth, 20c. ; leather, 60c. ; morocco, $1.00. Evercirculator Covers. Cloth, 30c. ; leather, 40c. To hold Evercirculator Paper. '* Fono " Writing Paper. Packet of 60 sheets, 30c. ; post-paid, 35c. Five quires, 50c. ; post-paid, 60c. "Fono" Letter or Evercirculator Paper, ornamental border. Packet of 60 sheets, 30c. ; post-paid, 35c. Five quires, 50c. post-paid, 60c. Note-Book Cover and Transcribing Slope. Size 9 in. x 5 in. Price, with 140-page Note-Book, red ruling, marginal line, 80c. ; post- free, 90c. Without Note-Book, 70c. ; post-free, 75c. Fountain Pens. No. 12, $2.50; No. 14, $4. The Waterman " Ideal " is the most perfect fountain pen made, and is unequalled for shorthand and longhand writing. "Fono" Pencil Case. 50c. Price, with s : x of our celebrated Reporting Pencils, 75c. Made of roan, leather lined. " Fono " Pencil Sharpener. 35c. Reporters' Rest or Desk for the Knee. 60c. Folds up for tha pocket. 23 The Phonographic Pin. 25c. Made in gold plate, with the mono- gram I. P., covering a background in the shape of a conven- tional flower formed by the elements, or curved consonants and straight strokes of the Isaac Pitman shorthand. The colors are blue and white, and the letters and outlines are in gold, which makes a very attractive combination. This pin will be sent free with a two-year subscription to PITMAN'S JOURNAL. Every Isaac Pitman writer should have one of these pins. PHOTOGRAPHS. Memorial Portrait of Sir Isaac Pitman. 60c. A high-class repro- duction of the Memorial Portrait accepted by the National Portrait Gallery of London. Size, mounted on stiff cardboard, 17} X 23} in. All copies sent by mail in a strong cardboard tube. PITMAN'S PRACTICAL PRIMERS OF BUSINESS. Advertising, or, The Art of Making Known. 95 pp., cloth, 50c By HOWARD BRIDGEWATER. This is an interesting practical exposition, with full illustrations, of the principles of Modern Advertising by a recognized authority. The various forms of Advertising are fully described, useful hints are given on the Psychology of Advertising, How to Deal with Space, Illustra- tions, Typography, Optical Illusions, Picture Reproduction, Advertising Ideas, Poster Work, Insurance, and Financial Adver- tising ; and, finally, the Position of the Advertising Agent in the Commercial World is discussed. " A work of great interest and profit to American advertisers." The Bankers' Magazine, New York. Handbook of Advertising. 183 pp., cloth, gilt, $1.00. By CHRISTOPHER JONES. A manual for those who wish to become acquainted with the Principles and Practice of Advertising. The Elements of Insurance. 133 pp., cloth, 50c. By J. E. EKE. This book will appeal to a larger class than those who are con- nected only with commerce. A mastery of its contents will go far to dispel the extraordinary amount of ignorance concerning insurance methods ; and, whether the reader's interest is chiefly to do with fire, life, accident, etc., these pages will well repay perusal. The Elements of Banking. 132 pp., cloth, 50c. By J. P. GANDV. Designed to supply the " man in the street " with a knowledge of first principles. It is a practical commentary on law and practice of banking, and embraces everything necessary to an ordinary business man on the subject of bills of exchange, promissory notes, and so forth. 24 Guide to Indexing and Precis Writing. 110 pp., cloth, 50c. By WILLIAM JAYNE WESTON, M.A. The author of Pitman's Guide to Commercial Correspondence has arranged this book on quite original lines. Precise instructions and practical examples render it of real value to candidates for public examinations. PITMAN'S COMMON COMMODITIES OF COMMERCE. Each book in crown 8vo, cloth, with colored frontispiece and many illustrations, maps, charts, etc. Price 75c. This series is pub- lished with the object of enabling the business man or trader, thoroughly to equip himself for the efficient performance of his specific work and to enlighten the general reader's mind regarding some of our commonest commodities of commerce. In each handbook a particular produce is treated by an expert writer and practical man of business. Beginning with the life history of the plant, or other natural product, he follows its development until it becomes a commercial commodity, and so on through the various phases of its sale in the market and its purchase by the consumer. Tea. From Grower to Consumer. By A. IBBETSON. The author is well known in the Tea world through his connection with the important house of Messrs. Joseph Travers & Sons. Mr. Ibbetson's pages give much help and information regarding the conditions of the Tea trade, the world's consumption of the product, and the fluctuation in price ; the crops of particulars years ; the mystery of the art of blending ; and so forth. Coffee. From Grower to Consumer. By B. B. KEABLE. Mr. Keable, like Mr. Ibbetson, is in the well-known house of Messrs. Joseph Travers & Sons, and can substantiate his claim to be an authority on Coffee. His book will be found, as in the case of that of Tea, to trace the progress of this commodity throughout. Cotton. From the Raw Material to the Finished Product. By R. J. PEAKE. The author has had the supreme advantage of being in close touch with Mr. C. W. Macara, Chairman of the Committee of International Federation of Master Cotton Spinners and Manufacturers, who has contributed advice and read the proofs of the book as it passed through the Press. This little handbook will be found to contain just the kind of information that is required on the greatest of our national industries. Sugar (Cane and Beet). By GEORGE MARTINEAU, C.B. Linen. From the Raw Material to the Finished Product. 130 pp., cloth. By ALFRED S. MOORE. It is somewhat singular that, although Linen Manufacture is a most important industry, there has not been hitherto a good popular non-technical work describ- ing its history, the various steps of manufacture, wages, condi- tions of labor, marketing, finance, etc. This want has now been supplied by the latest addition to the popular and attractive scries of COMMON COMMODITIES OF COMMERCE. 25 Oil (Mineral, Essential, and Fatty). By C. A. MITCHELL Rubber. Production and Utilization of the Raw Product. 120 pp., cloth. By H. P. STEVENS and CLAYTON BEADLE. Iron and Steel. 120 pp., cloth. By C. HOOD. Silk. Its Production and Manufacture. 120 pp., cloth. By LUTHER HOOPER. Wool. From the Raw Material to the Finished Product. By J. A. HUNTER. " The best book of its size and price that we have ever seen upon the subject of wool and its manufacture." American Wool and Cotton Reporter, N. Y. Coal. Its Origin, Method of Working, and Preparation for the Market. By FRANCIS H. WILSON, M.Inst.M.E., Editor of Mining Engineering ; Lecturer on Mining at the Leigh Technical School. Tobacco. From Grower to Smoker. By A. E. TANNER, Chemical Officer in the Customs and Excise Department. Fruit. 130 pp., cloth, $1.00. By LUIGI CASARTELLI. This book will appeal to a wide circle of readers, as it touches on the popular side of a popular industry. Full information concerning the fruits in common usage is given in a pleasant and chatty manner. PITMAN'S TRADE MANUALS. Price, each in cloth, $1.00, post paid. Various manuals have been produced at different times dealing with professional work, but the general trader has been utterly ignored and neglected. In these days, when commerce has become more than ever dependent upon proper organization, it :_ imperatively necessary that no branch of trade should be left out of consideration, and that every opportunity should be afforded to the zealous business man or his assistant to become acquainted with the methods which have led the leaders on to success. The new volumes have been prepared with the idea of assisting the earnest business man who is engaged in trade to render himself more efficient than ever. Drapery. By RICHARD BEVNON. The advice given in these pages proceeds from an author who is well known in the trade, and who has devoted his life to it. He has traversed the whole field of Drapery in a thoroughly practical fashion, and even where his opinions may be open to criticism, he has so dealt with his subject that the reader must acknowledge the respect which is due to one who has himself attained a high position in his particular line. Grocery. By W. F. TUPMAN. The author of this volume is well known on account of the success which he gained by winning the first prize in the Grocers' Competitive Examination, and he has followed up that success by a course of lectures, the substance of whxh is reproduced in this practical volume. 26 Grocery Business Organisation and Management. Demy 8vu, 164 pp., $2.00. By C. L. T. BEECHING, Secretary and Fellow of the Institute of Certificated Grocers. With Chapters on Buying a Business, Grocers' Office Work and Book-keeping, and a Model Set of Grocers' Accounts. By J. ARTHUR SMART, of the firm of Alfred Smart, Valuer and Accountant; Fellow of the Institute of Certificated Grocers, London. Drapery Business Organisation, Management, and Accounts. Demy 8vo, 302 pp., cloth, gilt, $2.00. By J. ERNEST BAYLEY. In this work, the first serious attempt has been made to gather together a fund of information on all subjects connected with the retail drapery trade, such as is likely to be of assistance both to those who are already engaged therein, or who aspire at some future time to set up for themselves. LANGUAGES. SPANISH. Pitman's Practical Spanish Grammar and Conversation for Self- Instruction. 112 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 60c. With copious Vocabulary and IMITATED Pronunciations. By the aid of this book, the student is enabled to rapidly acquire a perfect knowledge of the Spanish language. " This honored house has a right to style itself ' rapid,' for it not only is at the front with rapid stenography and with the best rapid methods of learning French and Spanish, but it is rapid in getting into the field with new books for new issues. We would advise well-educated young men to master Spanish. It is not a difficult language, and Pitman's Practical Spanish Grammar makes it doubly easy." Journal of Education (Boston). Pitman's Commercial Spanish Grammar. 166 pp., cloth, $1.00. In this book, Spanish grammar is taught on normal lines, and all grammatical points are illustrated by sentences in commercial Spanish. The exercises are written with a view to enabling the student to read and write business letters in Spanish, and to understand them without difficulty. Accidence and Syntax have been, as far as possible, blended, so that the student may at once make use of the grammatical forms he has learnt. The book concludes with a number of extracts for commercial reading. Easy Spanish Conversational Sentences. 23 pp., 20c. With Literal Interlinear Translation and Imitated Pronunciation. Advanced Spanish Conversational Exercises. 32 pp., 20c. Spanish Business Letters. 32 pp., 20c. With Vocabulary and copious notes in English. Spanish Business Letters. (Second Series) By E. MCCONNELL. 48 pp., 25c. 27 Spanish Commercial Phrases. 32 pp., 25c. With Abbreviations and Translations. Spanish Business Interviews. 96 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. With Correspondence, etc., each forming a complete Commercial Transaction, including Technical Terms and Idiomatic Expressions, accompanied by a copious Vocabulary. Spanish Tourists' Vade Mecum. Cloth, 40c. Every-day Phrases. With Vocabularies, Tables, etc., and the exact pronunciation of every word. Dictionary of Commercial Correspondence in French, German, Spanish, and Italian. 500 pp., cloth, $2.00. Containing the most common and ordinary terms and phrases of a commercial nature. Pitman's Commercial Correspondence in Spanish. 267 pp., cloth, gilt, $1.00. The increasing importance of a study of the Spanish language has induced the Publishers to issue an edition of their successful work, " Commercial Correspondence " (already pub- lished in English, French, and German) in that language. The work gives all the letters contained in the other editions, and there is, in addition, a full account of the Spanish Weights and Measures and the Spanish Coinage. Pitman's Readings in Commercial Spanish. 80 pp., cloth, 50c. With Notes and Translations in English. FRENCH. Pitman's Complete French Course. 210 pp., cloth, gilt, 60c. For Self-Instruction. Part I, consisting of Grammar to the end of the Regular Verbs, Conversational Phrases and Sentences, Short Stories, and French-English and English-French Vocabularies. Part II, Grammar, including the Irregular Verbs, Conversational Phrases and Sentences, Selections of French Prose, and French- English and English-French Vocabularies. Pitman's Commercial French Grammar. 166 pp., cloth, $1.00. In this book, French grammar is taught on normal lines, with the addition that all grammatical points are illustrated by sentences in commercial French. The exercises are written with a view to enabling the student to read and write business letters in French, and to understand without difficulty commercial and financial articles in French books and newspapers. It is thought that the method here adopted will help him to acquire rapidly a large French commercial vocabulary and phrase-list. Pitman's French Course. Part I. 96 pp., 20c. ; cloth, 25c. ; Grammar to end of the Regular Verbs ; with exercises. Pitman's French Course. Part H Cloth, 25c. Key to Part I, French Course. Cloth, 50c. Key to Part n, French Course. Cloth, 50c. 28 Pitman's Practical French Grammar. 128 pp., paper boards, 40c. ; cloth, 50c. And Conversation for Self-Instruction, with Copious Vocabulary and Imitated Pronunciation. The Latest and Best Method for Learning French without a Master. A Child's First Steps in French. 64 pp., cloth, 25c. An elementary French reader with vocabulary. Pitman's Chart of the French Regular Verbs. lOc. Terminations of the Four Conjugations and a Full Exhibition of the Auxiliaries. Pitman's French Commercial Reader. 208 pp., cloth, gilt, 85c. Deals in an interesting manner with the leading commercial and National Institutions of France. The reading matter is most carefully selected, and while the student of French is improving his mastery of the language, he is at the same time getting a good insight into French commercial methods. English-French and French-English Dictionary of Business Words and Terms. With a List of Abbreviations in General Use. Vest- Pocket Edition, size 2i in. x 6 in., cloth, 640 pp., $1.00. One of the greatest difficulties students of a foreign language encounter is the mastery of its purely commercial phraseology. Commercial terms are not a strong feature of the ordinary French-English dictionary in general use, while in many they are conspicuously meagre ; therefore the present work, which furnishes not only the words usually employed in commercial correspondence, but a great many commercial terms that are not given in the ordinary dictionaries. French Translation and Composition. 187 pp., cloth, 85. . Tourist's Vade Mecum of French Colloquial Conversation. 91 pp., cloth, 40c. A careful selection of every-day Phrases in constant use, with Vocabularies, Tables, and the Exact Pronunciation of every Word. An Easy Method of acquiring a knowledge of French sufficient for all purposes for Tourists or Business Men. Commercial Correspondence in French. 240 pp., cloth, 85c. Gives all the letters of the " Commercial Correspondence " translated into French, and also a chapter on French Commercial Corre- spondence ; a List of French Commercial Abbreviations ; French coinage, weights, measures, etc. ; together with a number of reduced facsimiles of actual French business forms and documents. Notes are added to each letter. French Business Letters. 31 pp., 20c. Being a Practical Handbook of Commercial Correspondence in the French language, with copious notes in English. French Business Letters (Second Series). 48 pp., 26c. Easy French Conversational Sentences. 32 pp., 20c. French Business Interviews. 104 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. With Correspondence, Invoices, etc., each forming a complete Com- mercial Transaction, including Technical Terms and Idiomatic Expressions, with copious vocabulary and notes in English. 29 French Commercial Phrases and Abbreviations, with Translations. 30 PP., 20c. French Phrases for Advanced Students. 97 pp., 50c. Madge's Letters. 32 pp., 20c. Introducing Idiomatic Expressions, French and English. Advanced French Conversational Exercises. 32 pp., 20c. Les Bourgeois Gentilhomme. 40c. ; cloth, 50c. Moliere's Comedy in French, fully annotated. Dictionary of Commercial Correspondence in French, German, Spanish, and Italian. 500 pp., cloth, $2.00. Pitman's International Mercantile Letters. English-French. Cloth, gilt, 85c. Pitman's Readings in Commercial French. 80 pp., cloth, 50c. With Notes and Translations in English. GERMAN. Pitman's Practical German Grammar. 112 pp., 40c. ; cloth, 50c. And Conversation for Self-Instruction, with copious Vocabulary and Imitated Pronunciation. Pitman's Commercial German Grammar. 182 pp., cloth, gilt, $1.00. In this book, German grammar is taught on normal lines, with the addition that all grammatical points are illustrated by sentences in commercial German. The exercises are written with a view to enabling the student to read and write business letters in German, and to understand without difficulty com- mercial and financial articles in German books and newspapers. It is thought that the method here adopted will help him to acquire rapidly a large German commercial vocabulary and phrase-list. Accidence and Syntax have been, as far as possible, blended, so that the student may at once make use of the grammatical forms he has learnt. Pitman's German Course. Part I. 96 pp., 20c. ; limp cloth, 25c. Key to Pitman's German Course. Part I. 50< . Pitman's German Commercial Reader. 208 pp., cloth, gilt, 85c. Is prepared on similar lines to the French Commercial Reader. It furnishes a practical introduction to German commercial institutions and transactions, with questions and exercises which render it well suited for use in schools. Students are afforded the fullest help possible from plates, illustrations, maps, and facsimiles of German commercial documents. Commercial Correspondence in German. 240 pp., cloth, 85c. Gives all the letters of the " Commercial Correspondence " translated into German, with useful notes at the foot of each letter. It also contains a chapter on German Commercial Correspondence, with a List of German Business Abbreviations. 30 German Business Interviews. Series 1 and 2, each 100 pp., each 40c. ; cloth, 50c. With Correspondence, Invoices, etc., each forming a complete Commercial Transaction. English-German Dictionary of Business Words and Terms. Vest- Pocket Edition. Thumb Index. 439 pp., $1.00. Elementary German Commercial Correspondence. 143 pp., cloth, 75c. By LEWIS MARSH, B.A. Tourist's Vade Mecum of German Colloquial Conversation. 64 pp., cloth, 40c. German Commercial Phrases and Abbreviations, with Translations. 30 pp., 20c. German Business Letters. PART I.] 30 pp., 20c. A Practical Handbook of Commercial Correspondence in the German Language, with Letters in German Script characters. German Business Letters (Second Series). 48 pp., 25c. Easy German Conversational Sentences. 32 pp., 20c. Advanced German Conversational Exercises, with Translations. 32 pp., 20c. Dictionary of Commercial Correspondence in French, German, Spanish, and Italian. 500 pp., cloth, $2.00. Containing the most common terms and phrases of a commercial nature. Pitman's International Mercantile Letters. English-German. Cloth, gilt, 85c. Pitman's Readings in Commercial German. 80 pp., cloth, 50c. With Notes and Translations in English. PORTUGUESE. A New Dictionary of the Portuguese and English Languages. Enriched by a great number of technical terms used in commerce, industry, arts and sciences, and including a great variety of expressions from the language of daily life, based on a MS. of JULIUS CORNET. By H. MICHAELIS. Second Edition. In two vols., cloth, gilt. Portuguese-English and English-Portuguese. $4.25 each. Each volume sold separately. Abridged Dictionary of the Portuguese and English Languages. Including Technical Expressions of Commerce and Industry, of Science and Arts. By H. MICHAELIS. In two Parts : I, Portuguese-English ; II, English-Portuguese. Both parts in one vol., $4.50. Pitman's International Mercantile Letters. English-Portuguese. Cloth, gilt, $1.00. 31 ITALIAN. Pitman's Commercial Italian Grammar. 116 pp., cloth, $1.00. In this book, Italian grammar is taught on normal lines, with the addition that all grammatical points are illustrated by sentences in commercial Italian. The exercises are written with a view to enabling the student to read and write business letters in Italian, and to understand without difficulty commercial and financial articles in Italian books and newspapers. It is thought that the method here adopted will help him to acquire rapidly a large Italian commercial vocabulary and phrase-list. Accidence and Syntax have been, as far as possible, blended, so that the student may at once make use of the grammatical forms he has learnt. Pitman's International Mercantile Letters. English-Italian. Cloth, gilt, 85c. Pitman's Italian Tourist's Vade Mecum. With Vocabularies, Tables, etc. 96 pp. Cloth, 40c. HUGO'S SYSTEM. t Spanish Simplified. Cloth, $1.00. t French Simplified. Cloth, $1.00. t German Simplified. Cloth, $1.00. t Italian Simplified. Cloth, $1.00. t Portuguese Simplified. Cloth, $1.00. llllllllllllillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllli IMPORTANT NOTICE. | It is necessary to caution teachers and H m others against purchasing books pur- | m porting to represent the Isaac Pitman i =f System, as a wide divergence of outlines | = will be found in such works, and their = = use will result not only in discouragement i ..= to the student, but will also give endless | I trouble to the teacher. The only authori- i H tative books containing correctly engraved f == outlines in accordance with the recent = I CENTENARY IMPROVEMENTS M =1= are issued by the direct, heirs of the f I Inventor of Phonography, and bear the ^ = imprint of Isaac Pitman & Sons, 2 West H 45th Street, New York. Press of Isaac Pitman & Sons, Bath, England 'U HVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY