New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1860-09-24
Ancient and Modern penmnnshtp.


Great is the difference between the cleTkly pen
manshp in the body of ancient deeds and the rough
rude, and often illegbe signs of those famous men
OF the sword whose functions in the middle ages
were so much in demands and itmay be remarked
that in those days when the circumstances OF nay
ing pen in hand must have been remarkable
event in the lives of the great mass OF the conlu-
nity the penmanship of the few learned clerks was
noticeable for its beauty, and also for its cores
pondence, to some extent, with the contemporary
style OF architecture.
The effect Of the Introduction of Italian archi-
lecture may be traced both in manuscripts and
books Many of the specimens of the handwriting
of Queen Elizabeth are sngniarly beautiful, and
show much variety. There is the small Italian
hand which was used when writing, as Princess,
TO her dear cousin and King, Edward W., and on
other complimentary occasions and very large
hand, which combined the 9otnlc aud the Italian
which '' good Queen Bess used when she threat
ened 10 unfrocka Bishop.
Looking at ancient documents OF a time when
being obliged to resort to the use of a cross for
signature was not considered disgracefnl, even to
tile nobility it is curious tonetice the great variety
the crosses, and the different degrees oil artistic
skill which are shown in them As the practice OF
writing became more general the use Of the cross
became less so and, although many could not
write their right name, they managed to sign with
a letter, or peculiar form flourish which had
some resemblance to one.
In collection of autographs of the relatives of
Shakespeare, published by Mr.. Halliweli, great
variety is shown. Agnes Ardens signature re-
sembles the letter U, such as would be made by o
school-boy who had just got out of his pot
| hooks" John Shakespeare signs with sword-like
cross, so firmly and vigorously marked that one
can fancy, if the opportunities had offered that
| this hand might have been cultured into that of
the skilled draughtsman. Others of those signs
are crosses surmounted by circles, and some show
imperfect attempts at regular signatures.
Remembering the systems of bookkeeping aud
accounts which are now required for successful
trade, it is difficult to understand how business
to any extent, could have been carried on. Taies
kept by notehed sticks with certain hieroglyphies
for the different goods, were much used instead of
books, and no doubt those instruments were pro-
duced by many Of the traders of London and else
where with as much gravity as regular bill at the
present days
In the reign of George III, when education had
become more general the crosses of those who
could not write lost the distinction and artistic
character Of older times and the large bold, round
hand, corresponds in style with the buildings and
furniture then in use This writing although with
out much beauty, has, Notwithstanding the merit
Of iistinctness. In these railway times, with the
exception Of book-keepers in banks, and clerks in
merchant Offices, few seem to have time to trim
| their letters. Few artists write good hand.
Physicians' prescriptions often difficult to
decipher as ancient hieroglyphfes and it must be
confessed that writers for the press are not gener
ally remarkable for either the distinction or beauty
Of their manuscript. AsTegards artists, The praG.
ce Of handling the brush and pencil is not fayora-
Bile to graceful penmanship; and in respect to the
literary profession it is generally difficult for the
pen to keep pace with the thoughts to say nothing
Of the fact that time often presses.
the beginning Of the present the Of dis
pnted account in a town ar England,
which the had been kept il chalk produced in