Page:The practice of typography; correct composition; a treatise on spelling, abbreviations, the compounding and division of words, the proper use of figures and nummerals by De Vinne, Theodore Low, 1828-1914.djvu/39

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Proper names frequently misspelled
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PROPER NAMES

Names of persons and places are frequently misspelled. The proper names of geography, history, fiction, and mythology are differently rendered in different languages. Two forms of the same name may be written unwittingly by a rapid writer. To decide upon one form is the duty, not of the compositor (nor yet of the proof-reader, who should query unless authorized to change), but of the author, who should write the name in one form only for the same book. When this duty devolves on the proof-reader he may confidently accept the preferred spelling of the dictionary prescribed.

There are, however, many names not to be found in the ordinary dictionary. Indian names, and new places in the United States recently named, will be found in the lists prepared by the Board on Geographic Names at Washington.[1] For persons of local celebrity, the proof-reader is advised to record the proper spelling in an indexed memorandumbook. The names here given need special care.

  • Acadia (Nova Scotia)
  • Alleghany Mountains
  • Allegheny City
  • Allegheny River
  • Andersen, Hans C.
  • Apennines
  • Appalachian
  • Arcadia, poetical
  • Bastille, The
  • Biglow Papers
  1. Puerto Rico (the form adopted by the Board on Geographic Names) is often spelled Porto Rico.