rulings of dictionary and proof-reader, and may insist on his own methods. It follows that there are often wranglings in every printing-house over the propriety of some compounded words.[1]
VALUE OF COMPOUNDS
The subject cannot be set aside as frivolous. The importance of making instantly perceptible the union or the distinctiveness of meeting words that might otherwise convey unintended meanings is fairly presented by Mr. Teall in the three forms iron fence, iron-saw, and ironwood. An iron fence is a fence of iron, which is clearly understood when set as two distinct words. Iron-saw, a saw made to cut iron, if not connected with a hyphen would convey the wrong notion that it was a saw made of iron. Ironwood, the accepted name of a kind of hard wood, would not so clearly convey the intended meaning if set as two words or if it were connected with a hyphen. Other illustrations could be presented to show that the neglect to compound or to keep separate meeting words may lead to unforeseen misunderstandings.
- ↑ It is not the purpose of the writer to lay down new rules or to take part in the controversies of opposing systems. For this work it is enough to present joinings that have met with general approval. Readers who are interested in greater niceties are referred to two books by Mr. F. Horace Teall: English Compound Words and Phrases (octavo, New York, 1892), and examples of words and word- The Compounding of English Words, etc. (duodecimo, New York, 1891).
