Printing Mathematics

Abstract

THE use of the solidus in printing fractious has been advocated by authorities of such weight that it seems almost a heresy to call it into question. Yet I venture to think that there is a good deal to be said against it. In such matters the course preferred by mathematical writers and their printers is apt to take precedence over that which is most convenient for the great body of those who will read their work. It is tacitly assumed by those who prefer this notation that the getting of mathematical formulæ into line with ordinary printing is an unmixed advantage. No doubt it is easier to set up the work in type thus, but with the consequent rapidity and cheapness of printing the advantage ends. Most people will agree that it is much pleasanter to read a mathematical book in which the letterpress is well spaced, so that the formulæ stand out clearly from the explanatory language, than one in which the two run together in an unbroken stream: just as a book divided into paragraphs is more readable than one which is not. The old style is more restful to the mind and eye, and one can more readily pick out the salient features of the demonstration.