A study of the illustrative material found in Webster's new international dictionary, second edition, and in funk and Wagnalls' new standard dictionary

Abstract

Probably those who constantly use both Webster's New International Dictionary, Second Edition, and Funk and Wagnalls' New Standard Dictionary have never noted or studied how the makers of these great unabridged dictionaries employ drawings, plates, and pictorial illustrations to give information or to assist in defining and explaining the meaning of terms. The various peoples of the world have long studied and used art both for creating beauty and for making practical application of artistic creations both in their vocations and in their avocations. Charts and drawings of various kinds are used in practically every type of world activity. The great art galleries of the United States as well as many of those in European countries are filled with students who are busy day in and day out copying the great masterpieces of art, and in studying the technique employed by the artists who produced them. Public schools throughout the United States are placing much emphasis on the teaching of practical art. There are also trade schools throughout the country teaching people how to create and to make practical application of artistic drawings, plates, charts, and graphs. The dictionary makers have found that an accurate drawing or a plate showing the likeness of objects or parts of mechanical devices often helps one grasp its significance or use more readily than a definition alone can do.