From the SUGGESTIONS TO AUTHORS.
Authors are advised to so prepare their copy that it can be clearly understood by the printer. Nothing should be left for conjecture. Measurable perfection can be secured by first transcribing copy on the typewriter, and before releasing it for publication giving it as careful revision as is afterwards given proof sheets. In the end this will not only save time, but Department printing funds frequently exhausted in making authors corrections in proof will be available for other work. Typewritten copy (when a good quality of paper is used) is always preferable to manuscript, but all copy should be plain to produce good work.
The following points are offered as suggestions which, if heeded, will enable this office to achieve the best results:
1. All paragraphs should be clearly marked on copy, thus avoiding vexatious misprints due to overrunning.
2. Photographs, drawings, cuts, etc., for illustrations should accompany manuscript. Each should bear the name of the publication to which it belongs, together with the figure or plate number, and necessary titles or legends for the same should be inserted at the proper place in copy. A complete list of plates and figures should always accompany the manuscript.
3. When a work is made up of several parts, or papers, a carefully prepared schedule of the desired arrangement should l)e forwarded with the manuscript.
4. Proper names and technical terms should be plainly and carefully written, using CAPITAL letters if necessary, and each should be verified before the copy is sent to the printer.
5. Details of capitalization and punctuation may be safely left to the printers and proof readers. It is part of their profession; they make a study of the subject, and will generally meet the authors taste.
6. Write only on one side of the paper. When printed matter covering more than one side of a sheet is used as copy, a duplicate should be furnished; otherwise much trouble is caused in cutting.
7. When, as an afterthought, new matter making more than a line is inserted, it should be written on a separate sheet and the place for its insertion clearly indicated.
8. Galley proofs will be furnished when desired. It is important that all corrections be made on the first proofs; later ones should be used only for purposes of verification.
9. Corrections in stereotype or electrotype plates usually do more harm than good. They weaken the plate and render new errors probable through damaged letters.
10. Authors and compilers are requested to direct those handling their manuscript to transmit the same to the Printing Office in flat form ? never to roll the manuscript if it can be avoided.