![]() |
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#18
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
gatt writes:
As I mentioned in the previous message, this -fact- was demonstrated to me by a printer while he was setting type on an old printing press on the university campus where I studied Journalism. History is not subject to demonstration. The fact that a printer might be able to cause the event in question does not mean that it was the motivation for placing periods inside quotation marks. The placement of other punctuation inside or outside quotation marks has long been a matter of style that differs between the U.S. and the U.K. The British typography statement assumes that British printers used the same equipment, which may not be the case. Movable type was universal at one time, in the not so distant past. People like to have explanations for things, even if they have to invent them. This explanation reminds me of the Latin teacher's explanation for _porta_ that I heard. Supposedly the teacher said that the word came from the fact that ancient Romans had to lift the plow creating the foundations wherever there was a door. Same principle. Similar to the way people prefer to gather their flying knowledge from those who fly, I prefer to get my printing press history from a printing press operator, especially while he's in the process of operating a vintage printing press. Unless he was there originally, he wouldn't know any more than I would. Strange thing to create an urban legend about, by the way. Strange things are especially prone to produce urban legends. It's like water spiraling down a drain or the curved shape of a wing producing lift (to get back to general aviation). -- Transpose mxsmanic and gmail to reach me by e-mail. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|