The Present Status and Significance of Manuscript Writing
S. Lucia Keim
Manuscript writing is not, as generally supposed, a new type of simplified handwriting. Nor it necessarily crutch to be taken up and laid aside in the acquiring legible cursive hand. writ ing revival original handwriting from which all present print forms have evolved. To add its significance has precedent centuries beautiful preserved past. The Carolingian eighth century, fifteenth sixteenth century manuscripts Italian Rennaissance are particular models been found most practical upon base simple rapid for day use. Our termed deterioration through invention copperplate, was only means known at time learning make sufficient copybooks supply who wished learn write. engraver could manipulate finely pointed tool with greater ease by not lifting plate throughout word, thus departing clear separate letters creating joining strokes loops writing. Though fine unnecessary flourishes copperplate engraving lent itself since discarded, subsequent reforms direction simplifying adapting rather than return basic principles natural hand originally developed. Whether or this course lamented, certain that characteristics many individual impaired joinings, common knowledge distinguisliableness entire often completely lost. chief recommendations manuscript legibility, beauty, acquired. Other points advanced favor : (1) young children can produce better results ; (2) causes beginner less fatigue; (3) eliminates alphabet reading writing; (4) chil dren poor muscular control readable results. These 115
Journal of Educational Research